Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge at Wimbledon in London. Photo / Getty Images
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge at Wimbledon in London. Photo / Getty Images
The Duchess of Cambridge is about to embark on a new royal role, taking over from the Queen as patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, hosts of Wimbledon.
Kate will assume the position for the European Summer as the Queen steps down after 64 years aspatron.
According to the Sunday Times, the mother-of-two is an avid tennis fan, regularly cheering from the royal box with her husband, Prince William, or attending matches with her family, the Middletons.
In 2013 she accepted an honourary membership to the Wimbledon Championships prestigious club.
Beyond the Queen's Wimbledon role, she is said to be preparing to offload several of her sporting patronages to other members of her family.
While Prince Harry is reportedly planning to take on the Rugby Football Union patronage following his grandmother's 65 year tenure, his brother Prince William may pick up the English Football Association position, where he is currently president.
The decision to appoint Kate to the Wimbledon role may rustle feathers among members of the wider royal family.
The Queen's first cousin, 80-year-old Prince Edward, who is the current Wimbledon President, enjoys the best seat overlooking centre court. But the spot may go to Catherine with her new position.
Beyond the tennis courts, 2016 is set to be a busy year for the Duchess, as she juggles royal duties, school runs with Prince George media appointments and new charity ventures.
In June she will also appear in her first solo televised interview to wish the Queen a happy 90th birthday.
