The King and Queen, along with other members of the Royal Family, have long been the face of support for countless charities and organizations, dedicating significant time and influence to causes close to their hearts. At present, over 1,000 organizations benefit from having a member of the Royal Family serve as their patron or president. These charitable causes range from globally recognized institutions like the British Red Cross to smaller, local charities and regimental organizations within the Armed Forces.
Following The King’s Accession in September 2022, a comprehensive review of Royal Patronages and charity Presidencies has been undertaken. The King and Queen have chosen to continue their patronage of many of the causes His Majesty supported as Prince of Wales, and Her Majesty supported as Duchess of Cornwall. They are also pleased to maintain the patronages previously held by Queen Elizabeth II, ensuring continuity of support for a vast range of organizations that contribute to society.
Royal patronage provides significant visibility, allowing the work of these organizations to reach a broader audience and gain recognition for their invaluable contributions. The presence of a royal figure offers not just a title, but also vital publicity, helping to draw attention to causes that might otherwise go unnoticed. The King and Queen’s association with a charity or initiative is often seen as a stamp of approval, providing encouragement for others to get involved and offer support.
Members of the Royal Family collectively hold approximately 600 patronages relating to the Armed Services alone, encompassing roles with regiments in the UK and Commonwealth as well as charities that provide assistance to veterans. The Queen has also hosted receptions for military charities, underscoring her long-standing commitment to those who have served the country.
The tradition of royal patronage stretches back centuries. The first recorded patronage was that of King George II, who became involved with the Society of Antiquaries, a group dedicated to architectural and art history, conservation, and heraldry. This society continues to benefit from royal support today through The Duke of Gloucester’s involvement. Many other organizations have enjoyed long-term relationships with the Royal Family, with patronages being passed down through generations. For example, King George IV became the Patron of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in 1824, a role that has been handed down to successive monarchs, continuing today with The King.
The King’s passion for the environment and the arts is reflected in his numerous patronages, many of which he took on during his time as Prince of Wales. Similarly, the current Prince of Wales carries on his father’s legacy by supporting the Centrepoint charity, focusing on homelessness—a cause that has been close to the hearts of both the King and his son.
Patronages are often chosen based on the personal interests and passions of the royal family member involved. For instance, The Queen, when Duchess of Cornwall, became the President of the Royal Osteoporosis Society, motivated by her personal connection to the disease, having lost both her mother and grandmother to osteoporosis-related complications. Princess Alexandra’s nursing background also informs her involvement as Patron of both the Princess Mary’s Royal Air Force Nursing Service and Queen Alexandra’s Royal Naval Nursing Service.
In addition to reflecting personal interests, the titles of various royal family members often guide their patronages. The Duchess of Edinburgh, formerly The Countess of Wessex, is the Patron of Wessex Heartbeat, a regional charity supporting heart disease patients in her home region. Similarly, The Duke of Kent’s patronages are centered around Kent-based organizations, including the Kent County Agricultural Society, reinforcing his deep connection to the region.
Each year, members of the Royal Family receive hundreds of requests from organizations seeking their support. These applications are reviewed by the appropriate Private Secretary, who passes them on for consideration. Some patronages are held in perpetuity, while others may be associated with specific campaigns or events that have a defined duration. Regardless of the term, these roles represent the Royal Family’s unwavering commitment to supporting and uplifting those who make a difference in society.
For the Royal Family, patronage is not just about lending a name to a cause—it’s about investing time, energy, and influence to ensure that charities, organizations, and causes receive the attention they deserve. As the Royal Family continues to take on new patronages and support established causes, they remain a powerful force for good, shaping the charitable landscape in meaningful ways.
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