Reports say William Hague is stepping down from House of Lords

Former Foreign Secretary William Hague is this morning reported to have taken leave of absence from the House of Lords.

Lord Hague, who lives at Cyfronydd, near Welshpool, is reported in the Daily Mail to be quitting politics to concentrate on supporting the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in their charity work.

Lord Hague, who as well as being Foreign Secretary, was de facto deputy prime minister and a former leader of the Conservative Party.

Prince William and Catherine appointed Lord Hague as chair of their foundation's board of trustees a year ago. But at the time, it was assumed he would simply be a heavyweight name to add to their charity.

But this morning’s Daily Mail reports that he's determined to play an active role in helping our future King and Queen achieve their ambitions for the foundation, which enjoyed a surge in income last year, to a staggering £11.78 million. 

Lord Hague, 60, is reported to have formed a warm relationship with Prince William and Kate while he was Foreign Secretary, working with them to combat the illegal wildlife trade.

As chair of the foundation, Lord Hague replaced Prince George's godfather, Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, who was William's right-hand man for 15 years.

Picture captions:

1.  Lord Hague supported Russell George MS in his Welsh Government election campaign on the streets of Welshpool earlier this year

2.  Lord Hague with Welsh Conservative Party Chairman Glyn Davies and Russell George MS in Welshpool