10/01/19: Meghan Markle's First Job Has Been Revealed Totally Accidentally
After rumours swirled that Meghan Markle's first royal patronage was to be the National Theatre, the theatre itself has officially confirmed it. Accidentally.
The eagle-eyed people at The Telegraph noticed a premature announcement on the National Theatre's website.
They have reported, 'In a message on the main ‘what’s on’ page of their website, dated January 10th and intended to be shared once the news was confirmed by Kensington Palace, it declared: “The Duchess of Sussex announced as our new Royal Patron”.'
There's even a screen grab for posterity.
Kensington Palace have confirmed the announcement, taking to Instagram to share the news.
Congrats Meghan!
07/01/19: Has The Queen Given Meghan Markle Her First Royal Job?
Ever since Meghan Markle joined the royal family when she married Prince Harry last May, speculation around her royal duties has continued to grow. This reached its peak in December, when it was reported that the Queen might be ready to hand over some of her patronages to the Duchess of Sussex.
Now, a new report suggests that one job in particular has been lined up for Meghan.
According to the Mail on Sunday, Meghan is set to take on the role of patron of the National Theatre from the monarch.
The theatre, located in London's South Bank, was officially opened by the Queen in 1976 after it moved from its first home at the Old Vic. With over 1,000 performances by the company every year, it's a landmark theatre in London, although Meghan's role could reportedly be focused on the The American Associates of the National Theatre – a New York-based charity which supports the National's work in the U.K. and U.S.
News of her first patronage comes after the Duchess met with the artistic director of the National Theatre, Rufus Norris, at a private event in December, the Court Circular confirmed at the time.
Although details of Meghan's official roles are yet to be confirmed by Kensington Palace, a patronage in the theatre world would certainly make sense. Before becoming a royal, she played the role of Rachel Zane on Suits for seven series and a number of her engagements in 2018 were linked to the performing arts. She's even rumoured to be reprising her role in a cameo for the TV show.
In June last year, Meghan joined the Queen in opening the Storyhouse Theatre in Chester on her first engagement with the monarch. Two months later, she watched Hamilton in London's West End with Prince Harry, followed by an outing to the Royal Variety Performance. Just before Christmas, the Duchess made a solo visit to a care home for retired actors.
There could well be plenty more nights out at the theatre to follow.
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