Royal Watch
These Pics Of Kate Middleton's Debut As A Rugby Royal Patron Are So Cheery

She took over Prince Harry's former gig.

by Joseph Longo
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The Duchess of Cambridge is getting her game on. As People reports, Kate Middleton was recently named the royal patron of the Rugby Football League and Rugby Football Union. To honor the new role, she attended a training session at Twickenham Stadium in Twickenham, England.

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On Feb. 2, Kensington Palace shared the announcement of Middleton’s new role on Twitter. In a short video, a series of clips edited together give the appearance of Middleton and several athletes tossing a rugby ball to each other.

People reports that at the training session Middleton joined a series of drills, including a line-out play. Occasionally, rugby players are lifted into the air by teammates when resuming play after a ball has gone out of bounds.

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According to Vanity Fair, this is the first of Prince Harry’s former patronages, aka appointments, to be reassigned within the royal family.

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The Middletons have loved rugby for years. “We’d plan our weekends around the big matches, a quick bite to eat at halftime or lunch on our laps, typically a chicken potpie or something equally cozy and English,” Kate’s sister, Pippa Middleton, told Vanity Fair in 2014.

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Middleton’s visit with England’s men’s and women’s teams occurred as the athletes are gearing up for the Six Nations Championship. This annual competition features teams from England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France, and Italy. It kicks off on Feb. 5.

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With her new role, Middleton may be kicking off a family rivalry. People reported that Prince William, her husband, is the patron of Welsh Rugby Union.

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Following her visit, Kensington Palace wished the leagues luck in their upcoming games. Accompanied by a video montage of Middleton’s trip, they tweeted in part, “Fantastic to meet the players, staff, and referees representing the sport at the highest level.”

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