Couple will keep string of private patronages

THE Duke and Duchess of Sussex will keep most of their patronages.

The couple will continue to support many of the organisations they worked with as royals, but in a private capacity.

The statement from Buckingham Palace on Saturday night said the pair would ‘maintain their private patronages and associations’. Although they would no longer ‘formally represent’ the Queen, they would ‘continue to uphold’ her values.

Within hours of the statement, the Rugby Football League said it was ‘delighted’ to continue its work with Prince Harry. A spokesman said the duke had ‘shown a genuine commitment’, and it looked forward to a future relationship.

Map Ives, director and founder of Rhino Conservation Botswana, echoed those comments, adding that the group had been told by an official in Harry’s office that he ‘wants to continue’ his patronage.

Meghan will continue to work on causes for women. She is to remain the patron of the charity SmartWorks, which provides clothes and mentoring for women seeking employment.

The duchess is also the patron of the Royal National Theatre and the Association of Commonwealth Universities, as well as animal welfare charity Mayhew.

Similarly, Harry will continue to work with the Invictus Games, which he established in 2014, as well as Sentebale, which helps children affected by HIV in Lesotho and Botswana. But the step down from royal duties means he will no longer be afforded the honorary military positions he held.

The Invictus Games Foundation said: ‘As evidenced by the Duke of Sussex recently announcing the sixth Invictus Games... we are confident of the continued commitment to wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women, and of the role the duke will continue to play in the planning and promotion of the Invictus Games as patron.’

A spokesman for The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust said: ‘I can confirm that the duke and duchess continue as president and vice-president.’