Queen to step down as patron of sporting institutions

The Queen is stepping down as patron from various sporting institutions at the end of her 90th birthday year.

Bodies including the RFU, LTA and RFL will still receive Royal backing, with Her Majesty's patronage being passed on to other family members.

Prince Harry has been confirmed as the new patron of the RFU. 

Peter Baines, RFU President, said: "It has been a privilege and an honour to have The Queen as Patron of the RFU for over 60 years. She has been a fantastic supporter of the union and we thank her for that and her contribution to the game of rugby in England."

He added: "We welcome Prince Harry as our new Patron. He has been Vice Patron for a number of years already and a regular at England Tests at Twickenham. He has been a brilliant ambassador of our work in the community and our charities as well as internationally for the union as President of the 2015 Rugby World Cup."  

The Queen currently works with more than 600 institutions and charities, but this is being brought down slightly, as happened with The Duke of Edinburgh after his 90th birthday.

List of sporting patronages being passed on to other members of the Royal Family:

Welsh Rugby Union

Amateur Swimming Association

All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC) Wimbledon

Lawn Tennis Association

Rugby Football Union

Rugby Football League

Sport and Recreation Alliance

British Cycling Federation