The British monarchy is slimming down, not only in the number who are named as “working royals,” but also in the traditional patronage of charities and organizations.
Buckingham Palace announced on May 4 that King Charles and other senior British royals will relinquish the patronage of almost 200 charities and organizations after an extensive review of more than 1,000 that was started at the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
The late Queen Elizabeth was patron of 492 organizations, while King Charles was affiliated to 441 and Queen 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.
Royal patronage is a prestigious form of endorsement that an organization can receive from a member of the royal family. This type of support is not just about financial assistance; it’s a multifaceted relationship that can include public appearances, advocacy, and raising awareness for the organization’s cause or mission. Historically, royal patronage has been a significant benefit for the arts, but in modern times, it has expanded to include a wide array of sectors, including charities, environmental initiatives, and educational programs.
The impact of having a royal patron is profound, as it often leads to increased visibility, credibility, and potentially, access to a broader network of resources and support. It can also help highlight important social issues and bring them to the forefront of public consciousness, leveraging the royal’s influence for positive change.
Among those that will retain their royal connection are the Royal British Legion, the largest armed forces charity, the Dogs Trust, the Jockey Club and the Wildlife Trusts, a grassroots nature organization.
“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 Mr. Craig Bennett, chief executive of the Wildlife Trusts.
“It is therefore a great honour that His Majesty has agreed to continue with his patronage.”
King Charles, who is undergoing treatment for cancer, returned to public-facing duties earlier this week after a period of absence. The BBC reported that he attended the Royal Windsor Horse Show on May 3, his third engagement in four days.
The move to cut their association with numerous organizations does not come as a complete surprise, rather it is another example of the streamlining of the monarchy that has been a hallmark of King Charles’ new reign and one which he had been promoting even before he ascended the throne.
However, it comes with its own challenges, one which has become obvious during the recent medical crises of both Princess Kate and King Charles. With the two leading royal players unable to carry out their duties and Prince William dedicated to taking care of his family, there were not enough royals to take on all the public-facing functions that define their role as the principal public relations team representing the British crown and its people.
