Theatre owner questions Meghan’s patronage

Meghan Markle must consider whether she can continue as patron of the National Theatre following her departure from royal life, a major theatre owner says.

National Theatre Artistic Director Rufus Norris defended the institution's relationship with Markle after Nica Burns, the owner of several West End theatres, said the Duchess of Sussex must prove she can perform the role from abroad or step aside.

Burns said: "I think we should give Meghan until Easter to say what she thinks is possible with her patronage.

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“If her new life means she is going back to work, maybe in film, or she'll have another child, I think the right decision would be for her to say: 'I have a new life and I can't continue.'

“If she is not going to be doing any work with the National, then she should step down. But as she is a role model, we would rather she didn’t.”