King Charles is set to relinquish almost 200 patronages of charities and organisations, Buckingham Palace has said.
It comes after a major review of more than 1,000 royal patronages was undertaken after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
The review by the Royal Household featured the close involvement of members of the Royal Family and focused on organisations the late Queen supported as patron and those Charles and Camilla represented as patron or president before they became King and Queen.
Elizabeth was patron of 492 organisations, whilst Charles and Camilla had 441 and 100 affiliations, respectively.
Following the assessment, 830 have been retained by the King and the Queen, or passed on to other members of the Royal Family.
Charities with a royal patron are provided publicity for their work by the palace, as well as helping ensure that their achievements are widely recognised.
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 organisation.
Mark Atkinson, the Royal British Legion’s director general, said: “The Royal British Legion is extremely proud that his majesty the King is our new patron.
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Prior to the review, Charles and Camilla had 441 and 100 affiliations, respectively
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“As the nation’s largest military charity, this patronage honours the special relationship that exists between the monarch and the armed forces.
“His Majesty’s commitment to remembrance and lifelong support to the RBL’s welfare work is greatly appreciated by our entire community.”
Craig Bennett, Chief Executive of the Wildlife Trusts, said: “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.
“It is therefore a great honour that His Majesty has agreed to continue with his patronage.”
Those that will retain their royal connection include the Royal British Legion, the largest armed forces charity in the UK
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The King will also retain his patronage of the Samaritans, a role he has held for more than 25 years, and Camilla will succeed Queen Elizabeth II and take on the presidency of the Sandringham branch of the Women’s Institute (WI).
The late Queen was a keen member of her local WI branch and every year allowed the press to accompany her to a meeting.
The palace will share conclusions of the review with the relevant organisations this week, a year on from the anniversary of Charles and Camilla’s Coronation.
