Royal visit to South Bank as Meghan becomes National Theatre patron

The Queen has passed on the royal patronage to The Duchess of Sussex having held the role for the last 45 years and has been associated with the organisation since its earliest days at The Old Vic in the 1960s.

The Queen last visited the National Theatre in 2013, as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, when she officially reopened the building after its major refurbishment.

The Duchess spent ten years working in television and her training is in theatre.

As well as a double major in theatre and international relations from Northwestern University, Meghan Markle volunteered at a performing arts after school programme for children in underprivileged school districts in Los Angeles.

"I would like to thank the Queen for Her Majesty's long and unwavering support and service to the National Theatre," said NT director Rufus Norris.

"We were honoured when the Queen became our Patron in 1974 and have celebrated many moments together including, in recent years, the Diamond Jubilee and the marking of our 50th anniversary.

"It is a privilege to welcome The Duchess of Sussex as our new Patron.

"The Duchess shares our deeply-held conviction that theatre has the power to bring together people from all communities and walks of life.

"I very much look forward to working closely with Her Royal Highness in the years to come."

Her Royal Highness met Rufus Norris last year and made a private visit to the National Theatre.

The Duchess is expected to carry out a public visit to the NT's South Bank home in the coming weeks.