Queen Elizabeth II Appoints Meghan Markle As Patron Of The National Theater

Queen Elizabeth II has reportedly appointed Meghan Markle as the patron of the National Theater.

According to Kate Mansey and Carolyn Durand, journalists for Daily Mail, the Duchess of Sussex is believed to have met up with theater director Rufus Norris privately. Her Majesty serves as the current patron of the National Theater, but she will be handing the position to Prince Harry’s wife to show her growing confidence in the former actress.

Palace insiders believe that Markle’s career as an actress makes her a natural fit for the position. She played the lead role of Rachel Zane in the hit USA Network television drama “Suits” for six seasons. Markle also studied theater at the Northwestern University.

Markle is expected to help build a bridge between the National Theater and American partners. The National Theater has a New York office, and they have also spearheaded Broadway shows including “War Horse” and “The History Boys.”

The Duchess of Sussex is expected to get involved with the American Associates of the National Theater which has contributed a large sum of money to the National Theater's output yearly.

Last month, it was reported that Markle won’t have any public appearances until it is time for her to announce her patronages. According to The Sunday Times, Markle’s first few royal patronages will be announced this month. A few more will be unveiled in February.

Markle is also expected to visit each organization that she will be a patron of before she starts her maternity leave. The Duchess of Sussex is scheduled to give birth in the Spring of 2019, which is between March and June. As such, her royal patronage visits may take place until the end of February.

Prince Harry’s wife also plans to work as close to her due date as possible, unlike Kate Middleton who went on maternity leave one month before Prince Louis was born last year.

The patronages that Markle will champion are expected to reflect her interests such as female empowerment, education, and the arts.