Published: 12:26, May 4, 2024
King Charles, UK royals to relinquish dozens of patronages
By Reuters
Britain's King Charles and Britain's Queen Camilla (right) arrive for the Royal Family's traditional Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham in eastern England, on Dec 25, 2023. (PHOTO / AFP)

LONDON – King Charles and other senior British royals are to relinquish patronages of almost 200 charities and organizations after a review of their association with more than 1,000 groups, Buckingham Palace said on Saturday.

The review was launched following the death of Queen Elizabeth to examine all the charities and bodies to which she, Charles and his wife Queen Camilla were connected, either as a president or patron.

Elizabeth was patron of 492 organizations, while Charles was affiliated to 441 and Camilla 100. Following the assessment, just over 830 have been retained by the king and queen, or passed to other members of the royal family.

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Organizations are able to apply to have a royal patron who in return can provide publicity for their work and help their achievements to be widely recognized.

Among those that will retain their royal connection include the Royal British Legion, the largest armed forces charity, the Dogs Trust, the Jockey Club and the Wildlife Trusts, a grassroots nature organization.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth is presented with the Commonwealth Nations Globe to start the lighting of the Principal Beacon outside of Buckingham Palace in London, from the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle in Windsor, west of London, June 2, 2022, as part of Platinum Jubilee celebrations. (POOL VIA AFP)

"His majesty has consistently demonstrated foresight, courage and leadership as he has helped communities, charities and businesses grapple with the challenges and opportunities inherent in living more sustainably and in harmony with nature," said Craig Bennett, Chief Executive of the Wildlife Trusts.

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"It is therefore a great honor that His Majesty has agreed to continue with his patronage."

Conclusions of the review will be shared among the relevant organizations this week, which marks the first anniversary of Charles and Camilla's coronation, the palace said.