LONDON (Reuters) – King Charles and other senior British royals will step back from their patronage of almost 200 charities and organizations following a review of their membership of more than 1,000 groups, Buckingham Palace said on Saturday.
The review was launched after Queen Elizabeth’s death to examine all the charities and bodies to which she, Charles and his wife Queen Camilla were linked, whether as president or patron.
Elizabeth was a patron of 492 organizations, while Charles was affiliated with 441 and Camilla with 100. After evaluation, just over 830 were retained by the king and queen or passed on to other members of the royal family.
Organizations can apply to have a royal patron who, in return, can provide publicity for their work and help their achievements be widely recognized.
Among those who will maintain their royal connection are the Royal British Legion, the armed forces’ biggest charity, the Dogs Trust, the Jockey Club and the Wildlife Trusts, a grassroots nature organisation.
“Her Majesty has consistently demonstrated vision, courage and leadership in helping communities, charities and businesses address the challenges and opportunities inherent in living more sustainably and in harmony with nature,” said Wildlife Trusts CEO Craig Bennett.
“It is therefore a great honor that Her Majesty has agreed to continue your patronage.”
The review’s findings will be shared between relevant organizations this week, which marks the first anniversary of Charles and Camilla’s coronation, the palace said.
(Reporting by Michael Holden, editing by William Maclean)
