Prince Harry to conduct World Cup draw at Buckingham Palace

World Cup organisers have secured a coup, announcing that Prince Harry will host the draw for the 2021 tournament at Buckingham Palace on January 16.

On the same day that he and wife Meghan revealed plans to "step back as 'senior' members of the Royal family",  the Duke of Sussex was named to perfom the draw at the iconic venue.

The involvement of Prince Harry and Buckingham Palace was already guaranteed to generate massive interest in the draw but that will go to another level after Thursday's shock announcement.

The draws for the men's, women's and wheelchair World Cups will be broadcast live on the Royal Family's Facebook and Twitter accounts, as well as RLWC2021 media assets.

"We are delighted and honoured that The Duke of Sussex will be hosting the draws from one of the most famous landmarks in the world," RLWC2021 CEO Jon Dutton said.

"His achievements in driving inclusivity in sport with the Invictus Games and his wider projects within rugby league makes him the perfect fit for the draw."

The Duke of Sussex has been Patron of the Rugby Football League since December 2016, when he succeeded Her Majesty, the Queen.

Prince Harry presented the 2019 Challenge Cup Trophy to the winners, Warrington Wolves, at Wembley Stadium.

It will be the first time there has been a live draw for a World Cup. It will take place next on January 16 at 11pm (AEDT).

The draw will reveal the opening fixtures for each tournament, which will include the host nation England, and kicks off with the men's opening ceremony on October 23, 2021 at St James' Park, Newcastle.