FILE – In this Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2018 file photo, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex visits the Royal Variety Charity’s residential nursing and care home Brinsworth House, in Twickenham, south west London. Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, is taking an increasingly visible role in the royal family as she becomes the patron of four organizations including the prestigious National Theatre. Kensington Palace said Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019 that Meghan will take over two roles as patron that have for decades been held by Queen Elizabeth II and is taking two other roles as well. (Geoff Pugh/Pool via AP, File) 
Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, centre, is welcomed to Smart Works charity career centre in West London, Thursday Jan. 10, 2019. Meghan on Thursday has become patron of the Smart Works charity which supports unemployed women to return to work. (Clodagh Kilcoyne/Pool via AP) 
Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex visits the Smart Works career centre in West London, Thursday Jan. 10, 2019. Meghan on Thursday has become patron of the Smart Works charity that supports unemployed women to return to work. (Clodagh Kilcoyne/Pool via AP)
LONDON | Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, is taking an increasingly visible role in the British royal family as she becomes the patron of four organizations including the prestigious National Theatre.
Kensington Palace said Thursday that Meghan will take over two roles as patron that have for decades been held by Queen Elizabeth II and is taking two other roles as well.
The palace says the queen “has passed on” the role of patron of the National Theatre and the Association of Commonwealth Universities.
In addition, Meghan will become patron of two additional charities: Smart Works, which helps vulnerable women find the skills needed to work, and Mayhew, a grassroots organization active in London and internationally.
Meghan and her husband Prince Harry are expecting their first child this spring.