PRINCE HARRY has stepped down from his job as patron of the RFU.
The rugby-mad royal, who famously celebrated England’s 2003 World Cup win with the squad in Australia, has been patron at Twickenham since 2016.
But with Harry stepping back as a senior royal and moving to America, Buckingham Palace have confirmed he has stepped down from a number of roles that came through his royal links.
A Buckingham Palace statement confirmed: “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have confirmed to Her Majesty The Queen that they will not be returning as working members of The Royal Family.
“Following conversations with The Duke, The Queen has written confirming that in stepping away from the work of The Royal Family it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service.
“The honorary military appointments and Royal patronages held by The Duke and Duchess will therefore be returned to Her Majesty, before being redistributed among working members of The Royal Family.
“While all are saddened by their decision, The Duke and Duchess remain much loved members of the family.”
England Rugby confirmed: “Prince Harry will be stepping down from his role as RFU Patron.
“We would like to thank Prince Harry for his time and commitment to the RFU both in his position as Patron and Vice Patron. The RFU has greatly valued his contribution to promoting and supporting the game.”
Harry took over his RFU role from the Queen and is mates with ex skipper Dylan Hartley and James Haskell, who was a guest at his wedding to Meghan Markle in 2018.
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His brother, Prince William the Duke of Cambridge, is patron of Wales Rugby Union.
Harry was also Honorary President of the England 2015 World Cup and presented the famous William Webb Ellis Cup to winning All Blacks captain Richie McCaw at Twickenham.
At the Japan 2019 World Cup, Harry was in Yokohama to watch Eddie Jones’ side as they lost the final to South Africa.
And back in June last year, Harry announced that he would back the RFU’s scrapping of controversial slave song ‘Swing Low’, as part of its branding.
His team said: “The Duke is supportive of the comments the RFU made this week regarding the review and he will follow the lead of the RFU on the matter.”
In January, Rugby League bosses confirmed that they were sticking with Harry after he helped make the 2021 World Cup draw at Buckingham Palace.
They said: “We look forward to the continuation of the relationship between the Duke and rugby league.
“He has shown a genuine commitment to working with us, initially getting involved in our community and youth programmes and sharing his support for England Rugby League.”
But Harry, who announced earlier this month he and Meghan are expecting their second child, has also now stepped down from that position.
The RFL said: “The Rugby Football League thanks The Duke of Sussex for his time, care and commitment in supporting Rugby League at all levels in recent years – from the children’s game to the Challenge Cup, the England teams and RLWC2021.”
The Rugby Football League thanks The Duke of Sussex for his time, care and commitment in supporting Rugby League at all levels in recent years – from the children’s game to the Challenge Cup, the England teams and RLWC2021. pic.twitter.com/tijl55hWsJ
— Rugby Football League (@TheRFL) February 19, 2021
