The Princess of Wales has been tipped to take over a major new role from King Charles – but she has to make the first move if she wants it.
The Royal Thames Yacht Club is pinning its hopes on Kate Middleton, 41, becoming their new Commodore after parting ways with Prince Andrew in 2021.
The organisation, which is based in Knightsbridge, is Britain’s most famous yacht club and its previous royal patrons included Lord Mountbatten and Prince Philip.
After the Duke of York stepped down due to his links to Jeffrey Epstein, the patronage was passed to King Charles – who currently holds the title of Commodore.
But according to the Daily Mail’s Diary Editor Richard Eden, the club has its sights set on Kate – who is a known sailing enthusiast.
Earlier this week, the yacht club held a new ‘Women Who Rock the Boat’ event during Cowes Week on the Isle of Wight to ‘encourage women in the sailing world’.
Describing how the royal would be an excellent fit, a senior member of the club said: ‘Kate would be a great role model.
‘But the trouble is, royal protocol dictates that it’s up to her and the Royal Family to make the first move.’
As such, the decision needs to come from within the institution – rather than the yacht club approaching the Palace with the suggestion.
Before her marriage to Prince William, she took part in the Sisterhood Challenge, a rowing event where women of all sporting abilities could take part to raise money for a selection of charities close to the organisers’ hearts.
Sporty Kate was seen leading her team’s operation on the Thames in London during training.
As a working royal, the Princess of Wales has also taken part in several sailing events, never hesitating to hop on board to ride the waves with experienced sailors.
Last summer, the Princess of Wales took part in part in a catamaran race with Olympic sailor Sir Ben Ainslie in Plymouth.
In August 2019, the then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge took Princess Charlotte and Prince George with them to the Isle of Wight when they participated in the charity King’s Cup regatta.
However, the family support was not enough to spur William, 37, or Kate, also 37, to victory and the couple finished in third and eighth place, respectively.
The Princess, wearing a baseball cap with her hair in a ponytail, sat on the side of her boat alongside crew members for the afternoon of sailing.
She appeared in high spirits and smiled broadly as she headed out on the water.
The Princess of Wales currently holds over 20 patronages and several – including the All England Tennis Club and SportsAid – have a particular emphasis on fitness.
