Camilla joins Sir Philip Pullman on Oxford University library visit

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Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, has secured the role of patron of the National Theatre – a responsibility previously held by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. Meghan lost the patronage last year after she and Prince Harry confirmed they would not return to working royal life.

Reflecting on the choice of recipient for the prestigious position, royal journalist Richard Eden said this indicated a sidelining of the Earl of Wessex and Sophie, Countess of Wessex.

The couple has two children, Lady Louise Windsor, 18, and James, Viscount Severn, 13, who are the Queen’s grandchildren.

The Daily Mail’s Diary Editor tweeted: “This couldn’t be a clearer sign that there will be no role for Prince Edward and his family in Prince Charles’s slimmed-down monarchy.

“Edward would have been a natural fit for this role.”

The Duchess of Cornwall, 74, is “delighted” to take on the patronage, but was “pretty miffed” when she missed out on it to the Duchess of Sussex in 2019, according to The Times.

A source close to the Duchess said: “She really wanted it.

She was pretty miffed when it went to Meghan, and will be all the more delighted to take it on now, after being disappointed not to get it first time round.”

Although Camilla is known for her appreciation of the theatrical arts, Prince Edward set his sights on a life of theatre decades ago.

The Earl of Wessex left Cambridge University in 1986, bound for a career in the theatre sector of the entertainment industry.

He was involved with Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s production company, Really Useful Theatre Company, before looking more towards the television world.

One of the Earl’s most notable projects was setting up Ardent Productions, which developed documentaries and dramas for TV channels.

However, the venture went sideways and the Prince jumped ship in the early 2000s after a poorly received documentary about his great-uncle, the Duke of Windsor, was slammed by UK critics.

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Camilla does have a track record of vouching for the industry, giving an impassioned speech on the importance of theatre at the 2020 Olivier Awards.

She called theatre a “cornerstone” of a flourishing society and an enduring way to unite people in a community.

She said: “I believe in theatre.

“It’s the cornerstone of a fertile cultural life, a forum for debate and a powerful means of building community.

“Perhaps more importantly, those of us who believe in the theatre also believe in its resilience.

“I should like to thank those of you whose profession is in the theatre for your determination and flexibility.

“Please remain resilient.

We need you, and we’ve missed you.”

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