Duchess Catherine will replace Queen Elizabeth as patron of the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club.

Duchess Catherine

Duchess Catherine

The tennis enthusiast - who is married to the Queen's grandson Prince William - will represent the royals at events for the club, which runs the Wimbledon championships, after Queen Elizabeth decided to scale back her duties.

Prince Harry will become the new patron of the Rugby Football Union, while Prince William is set to take over responsibility for the Welsh Rugby Union.

WRU president Dennis Gethin said: "We thank Her Majesty the Queen for her support over the years.

"We are delighted that the Duke of Cambridge will take over from his grandmother as patron of the Welsh Rugby Union.

"Since becoming vice patron in 2007, His Royal Highness has been a great ambassador, not only for the Welsh Rugby Union, but for young people and for sport generally.

"He makes a great difference to everyone he meets on his regular visits to Wales and to Principality Stadium, interacting with all kinds of individuals and groups including players past and present, volunteers, apprentices, veterans and staff."

The Queen has decided to cut her workload and has stepped down from 25 patronages.

Buckingham palace said in a statement: "Her Majesty has enjoyed a close and active association with a great number of [the patronages] throughout her reign. Her Majesty will continue to serve as patron to hundreds of charities and institutions but will now share this work with her family.

"Many of the organisations listed already have other members of the Royal Family as Vice-Patrons or Presidents which will ensure a smooth transition."

Tagged in