Sarah Ferguson May Take On Some Of The Patronages Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Were Forced To Give Up, Insider Claims
When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped down from their royal duties last year, Queen Elizabeth subsequently stripped them of several of their patronages, much to the dismay of the Sussexes.
Now, a source spilled to New Idea that Prince Andrew's ex-wife Sarah Ferguson is set to take on "some of the patronages once held" by the couple, noting, "The Sussexes no doubt won't like hearing that."
In February of last year, the parents-of-two announced they were leaving the U.K., which prompted Buckingham Palace to release a statement to declare that they would be losing some of their titles.
"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," a note read. "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."
Clearly annoyed with the decision, the pair's spokesperson issued a statement in response.
"As evidence by their work over the past year, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain committed to their duty and service to the U.K. and around the world, and have offered their continued support to the organisations they have represented regardless of official role," the message said. "We can all live a life of service. Service is universal."
Harry held several military titles in addition to being a patron of the Rugby Football Union and Rugby Football League. The sports patrons were then given to his sister-in-law, Kate Middleton.
Harry and Meghan were also patrons of groups like The Queen's Commonwealth Trust, the Royal National Theatre and the Association of Commonwealth Universities.
Though Ferguson is no longer married to a royal, she still considers the Queen as part of her family.
"I think to myself that honestly, my mother-in-law has been more of a mother to me than my mother," she's confessed. "[She’s] never faltered."
