Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge, née Kate Middleton, have been elected Honorary Life Members of Marylebone Cricket Club, of which the Queen is patron. Following in the footsteps of the Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Charles, who are also Honorary Life Members, the royal couple's appointment was announced by MCC's president David Morgan at the Members' Bicentenary Banquet on 8 October.
William and Kate playing cricket in Christchurch, New Zealand
"We are delighted that Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have accepted our invitation to become Honorary Life Members of MCC," said David. "It was an honour to announce the news at the Members' Bicentenary Banquet on Wednesday."
In pictures: William and Kate's sporting moments
"This great Club has enjoyed an excellent relationship with the Royal Family over the years and long may it continue."
Clarence House honoured the occasion on Twitter, by posting 'Throwback Thursday' photos demonstrating the British royals' historic link with MCC.
"#ThrowbackThursday - another MCC Honorary Life Member playing cricket in 1968," was the caption on a black-and-white picture of Prince Charles bowling during a match, while Lord's Ground posted "MCC & @BritishMonarchy are intrinsically linked. HRH The Duke of Edinburgh has been MCC President twice."
Prince William with Brett Lee in 2010
William's new honorary membership at the club is fitting for the sporty 32-year-old. From an early age the Prince has taken part in numerous matches and rubbed shoulders with stars of the game including Brett Lee and Matthew Hayden when he visited Australia in 2010.
Duchess Kate has also tried her hand at the centuries-old sport, showing off her skills during a game in Christchurch while on tour in New Zealand in April.
