Duchess of Cornwall takes over from Meghan as National Theatre’s royal patron
The Duchess of Cornwall has been confirmed as the new Royal patron of the National Theatre in honour of her "great support" for the arts, a year after the Duchess of Sussex left the role.
The Duchess, described as an "avid theatregoer", has been given the role by the Queen, who held it for decades.
The patronage had been awarded to the Duchess of Sussex after she joined the Royal family. She was considered an ideal match thanks to her career as an actress and a shared mission of encouraging new audiences.
That role officially came to an end in February last year when it became clear that the Sussexes would not be returning to Britain for official duties.
She made one official daytime visit to the theatre and spoke privately to Rufus Norris, its director, to plan how she could help further.
The role was returned to the Queen, who has confirmed that the Duchess of Cornwall will take over.
Mr Norris said: "It is a privilege to welcome the Duchess of Cornwall as the National Theatre's Royal patron. The Duchess shares our belief that theatre enriches our lives in so many ways and that everyone should have access to the arts and creativity no matter where they are in the world.
"The Duchess has shown great support to our industry throughout the pandemic, and I look forward to working with Her Royal Highness for many years to come. I would also like to express my thanks to the Queen for Her Majesty's long and unwavering support and service to the National Theatre."
Confirming the Duchess of Cornwall's role in a press release, the theatre made no mention of the Duchess of Sussex or her short tenure. A source said the omission had not been requested by the palace and reflected the fact that the patronage had been handed back to the Queen.
The National Theatre described her as an "avid theatregoer who regularly visits arts organisations in the UK and overseas to celebrate the creativity of others and the power of the performing arts to bring people together".
She is already patron of the Royal Academy of Dance, the Royal Society of Literature, Friends of the Royal Academy, the London Chamber Orchestra, the National Youth Orchestra, the Theatre Royal Bath, the Unicorn Theatre for Children and the Georgian Theatre Royal.
