PRINCESS Beatrice has become the patron of York’s Theatre Royal.

The Princess, whose father is the Duke of York, paid a visit to the theatre's costume workshops last summer during preparations for The York Mystery Play when she helped cut the first piece of fabric for an angel costume.

At the time she said she was keen to learn more about the plays after hearing about them at the Yorkshire Museum when she visited the city alongside the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh.

Liz Wilson, chief executive of the Theatre Royal, said: “We are delighted and looking forward to welcoming her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice to the Theatre Royal on her next visit to York to personally thank her for her support”.