Kate Middleton new role at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London

The Duchess of Cambridge is to hold the first ever royal patronage at the Victoria and Albert Museum, Kensington Palace has announced.

Kate, due to give birth to her third child in the summer, was deemed perfect for the high-brow role thanks to her interest in the 'visual arts, photography and design.' 

The London museum may carry Queen Victoria's name but no royal has ever taken up an official patronage of the museum before.

The role, which begins officially today, is 'a natural fit' for Kate, said the museum's director Tristam Hunt.  

Hunt said: 'From its foundation by Prince Albert and Queen Victoria, the V&A has enjoyed a proud history of Royal support. 

'We are delighted that Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge has agreed to serve as Royal Patron of the museum.

Hunt added that the Duchess' support 'for the role of art in supporting mental health and nurturing young people's creative talent, fits naturally with the collections and civic purpose of the V&A.'

'The Trustees, staff and members of the V&A look forward to working with Her Royal Highness across our museums in South Kensington, Bethnal Green and Dundee.'

The Duchess of Cambridge last officially visited the South Kensington museum in June 2017 to officially open the V&A's re-vamped side entrance, courtyard and exhibition gallery on Exhibition Road. 

Kate, 36, is currently patron to 14 organisations including the National Portrait Gallery and the Natural History Museum.

The only V&A Museum outside London is to open its doors in September.

Designed by internationally-acclaimed Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the £80.1 million V&A Dundee is the centrepiece of the £1 billion transformation of the city’s waterfront.

V&A Dundee, funded by V&A, Dundee City Council, the University of Dundee, Abertay University and Scottish Enterprise, opens on September 15.

Daily Mail