Meghan’s new leading theatrical role – as the Royal patron of the arts
THE QUEEN has relinquished her patronage of the National Theatre after 45 years and passed the honorary role to her granddaughter-in-law, a former actress.
The Duchess of Sussex has also taken over the Queen’s role as patron of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, among a raft of new jobs announced by Kensington Palace.
They are said to reflect her interest in the arts, access to education and women’s charities.
Rufus Norris, director of the National Theatre, who held a private meeting with Meghan last month, thanked the Queen for her “unwavering support and service” to the theatre, which counts Lord Olivier among its founders.
However, the news of her replacement was announced on the theatre’s website a day earlier than planned.
Mr Norris said: “The Duchess shares our deeply-held conviction that theatre has the power to bring together people from all
communities and walks of life. I very much look forward to working closely with Her Royal Highness in the years to come.”
Dr Joanna Newman, chief executive and secretary general of the Commonwealth Universities association, said the support of the Duchess would “help champion higher education as a force for good in the Commonwealth and beyond”.
AS A former actress, her patronage of the National Theatre might not have been a surprise, even though the organisation appeared to have jumped its cue by announcing the news a day early.
But the other honorary roles taken on yesterday by the Duchess of Sussex, reflecting her interests in access to education, support for women and animal welfare, represented a milestone for the newest Royal as she navigates her way through the monarchy.
“I’m so happy to be here,” Meghan said as she met clients at the London premises of Smart Works, a women’s charity that supports vulnerable jobseekers.
Kensington Palace announced that it was one of a range of patronages her role would now encompass.
Meghan arrived at the charity, based in St Charles Hospital in north Kensington, wearing a dress from Hatch and tan coat by Oscar de la Renta.
She told the group she had been “quietly coming by” for a year, adding: “It’s nice to be able to now do it publicly and really talk about the work that you do.”
The Duchess, who is expecting her first child in the spring, was greeted by Smart Works chief executive, Kate Stephens.
She said: “She’s really handson and involved, and has a natural empathy with people that we’ve been really impressed by. She puts people at their ease. It does feel slightly surreal.”
Kensington Palace said in a statement: “The Duchess is delighted to become patron of both national and grassroots organisations that are part of the fabric of the UK, and is very much looking forward to working with them to bring wider public attention to their causes.”
During her visit, Meghan joined a discussion group and highlighted the invaluable donations of clothes, suitable for an interview, Smart Works receives from individuals, which range from business suits to handbags and new underwear.
She picked out a black handbag and tan cape for Patsy Wardally, 55, who got a job at Gatwick Airport after being helped by Smart Works.
The Duchess then picked her out a tan cape to go with a red and white patterned dress.
“Isn’t that great?” Meghan said as she glanced at Ms Wardally and complemented her on a her pink bracelet.