Skip to main content
Community

HM King Charles continues royal patronage at selected maritime charities

3 June 2024

HM King Charles has been announced as royal patron of three UK maritime charities, including The Seafarers' Charity, Sailor's Society and the Seafarers Hospital Society.

The Seafarers' Charity CEO Deborah Layde said: 'The Seafarers' Charity is delighted and very proud to receive royal patronage from His Majesty King Charles III. This wonderful news continues our 107-year tradition of having the monarch serve as our patron.

'As the only global maritime grant-funder that supports anyone who works at sea, wherever they are and whatever their maritime profession, our continued royal patronage sends an important message of support to maritime welfare charities and seafarers in need and their families, recognising the many unique aspects of seafaring lives.'

The announcement was made at the major grant funder's recent annual meeting held at Fishmongers' Hall in London, which was attended by Nautilus director of organising Martyn Gray in his capacity as a trustee.

The King also marked the first anniversary of his and Queen Camilla's coronation by accepting the patronage of Sailors' Society, continuing a royal tradition that goes back to Queen Victoria. The late Queen Elizabeth II had been the patron of the global maritime welfare charity for 70 years.

Sailors' Society CEO, Sara Baade said: 'We are delighted and proud that His Majesty is our new Patron. Royal patronage has been a truly important part of our history, and we are thrilled that it will continue to be a very special part of our future.'

The Seafarers' Hospital Society also confirmed the King's patronage via its social media channels.

On the death of the late Queen Elizabeth, the Palace began a review of more than 1,000 organisations and charities that had held the patronage of Her Majesty and the former Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall. The late Queen was herself patron of 492 organisations at the time of her death, and 376 are due to be retained by Their Majesties King Charles and Queen Camilla, or other members of the royal family.

The hereditary title Master of the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets was also assumed to pass to King Charles, although so far there has been no official confirmation. The title has been hereditary since its institution by Elizabeth II's grandfather, King George V.


Tags