Royal Family finally conclude patronages review as King and Queen’s new roles unveiled

The King and Queen will take on the majority of the late Queen’s patronages after a major review of more than 1,000 patronages and charity presidencies.

King Charles holds 669 patronages (Image: Getty)

Hundreds of charities once affiliated with the late Queen Elizabeth will finally learn who their new royal patron is, as a major review of more than 1,000 patronages and charity presidencies has finally concluded.

The King and Queen will take on the bulk of the late monarch’s patronages, with Charles taking on more than 300 new patronages.

They will also continue to serve as patron to many of the charities and institutions they were affiliated to as the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall respectively.

Other members of the Royal Family will also take on the patronage of a number of organisations previously supported by the late Queen, to add to their existing portfolios.

The outcome of the review, announced today to coincide with the one year anniversary of the Coronation, will be shared with relevant organisations in the coming week.

It comes 18 months after the King’s accession in September 2022, with each of the late Queen’s royal patronages being sent a letter explaining there would be a review shortly after her death.

The Royal Family are proud to hold more than 1,000 royal patronages, which serves to highlight the vital work of the charities, military organisations, and professional and public service bodies, both in the UK and across the Commonwealth.

Having a royal patron ensures the organisation’s achievements and valuable contributions to society are more widely recognised and promoted, and it can have a big impact on smaller organisations.

The King now holds 669 patronages, as he has retained up to 367 of his existing patronages, which totaled 441 when he was Prince of Wales.

These include taking on his mother’s previous patronages with the Royal British Legion,  Royal Commonwealth Society, which is committed to improving the lives and prospects of Commonwealth citizens globally, and the Association of Commonwealth Universities, which champions the power of higher education to improve lives.

Charles will retain patronages which highlight causes including supporting communities, conservation and culture.

This includes the Wildlife Trusts, Youth United Foundation, Commonwealth Forestry Association and the Heritage Crafts Association.

The King will also become patron of Dogs Trust, Samaritans and Water Aid.

The King and Queen will be joint patrons of The Jockey Club.

Camilla is taking on at least 20 new roles, such as the patronage of the Royal Literary Fund and becoming patron of the Royal Academy of Dance, having previously been vice-patron.

She will hold 115 patronages in total, having retained 91 of the 100 organisations she was affiliated to as the Duchess of Cornwall.

A further review will be carried out to consider the patronages held throughout the fourteen other Commonwealth Realms, where His Majesty is Head of State.

The full list of patronages will be published in due course.