King Charles has been confirmed as the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) new Royal Patron, taking on the role previously held by his late mother Queen Elizabeth II.
The role was confirmed by Buckingham Palace last month as part of a recent review of royal patronages, a role that helps to highlight, promote and recognise the work of the many charities and organisations supported by a Royal Patron.
RCVS President Dr Sue Paterson FRCVS said: “We are delighted that His Majesty the King is our new Royal Patron, continuing his mother’s support for the veterinary professions.
“We know that His Majesty is a keen advocate for animal health and welfare, the environment and biodiversity, and so his interests align very much with ours in areas such as sustainability, tackling antimicrobial resistance, and in supporting veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to best meet their professional standards.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to wish His Majesty all the best with his ongoing treatment and recovery for cancer and we hope to meet him soon.”
His Majesty has also taken the patronage of the British Horse Society, joining
HRH The Princess Royal who has been Vice-Patron of the BHS since 2017.
His Majesty becomes the second monarch to be Patron of the BHS, with the Royal Patronage first awarded in 1952 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Like Queen Elizabeth II and HRH The Princess Royal, His Majesty is a keen equestrian and advocate for the equine industry and all those that care for horses.
James Hick, Chief Executive of The British Horse Society, said: “We are delighted and deeply honoured to have been advised by Buckingham Palace that His Majesty, The King has accepted patronage of The British Horse Society.
“We continue to be extremely grateful for the support of HRH The Princess Royal, our Vice-Patron.mThe heartfelt connection both His Majesty and HRH The Princess Royal demonstrates for their horses and the equestrian community clearly communicates just how truly important horses are in society.
“We are working as hard as ever to make sure more people across the UK are able to experience this special horse/human bond. As we continue with this mission, his Majesty’s support will be hugely valued by everyone at the BHS, and all our volunteers, members and supporters.”
The King, alongside Queen Camilla, has also become patron of the Jockey Club. The King, who was appointed as an Honorary Member of The Jockey Club in 1980, has a longstanding interest in equestrian sports, having been an amateur jockey and a keen polo player.
Sandy Dudgeon, Senior Steward of The Jockey Club, said: “We are honoured that Their Majesties have accepted our invitation to become joint Patrons of The Jockey Club.
“They have shown great enthusiasm and support for equestrian sports over many years and everyone in racing in Britain and overseas was thrilled to see them enjoy success at Royal Ascot last year.”
The Shire Horse Society has also announced that they are extremely proud and honoured to be able to announce that His Majesty King Charles III has been confirmed as its new Patron.
Victoria Clayton, Chief Executive of the Shire Horse Society said, “This is an incredibly proud day for the Society, and we send our best wishes to His Majesty King Charles in his recovery.”
He has also accepted patronages of the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders Association.
“It was a tremendous privilege to have received the letter through the post this week stating that His Majesty The King would be delighted to accept the patronage of our association,” Nick Johnson, CEO of the NZTBA, said.
“Her Majesty The Queen was our patron for 32 years, and her love of the thoroughbred is widely known. To be able to have the patronage passed on to His Majesty I think is wonderful, we are very honoured.”
In the review of patronages, it was also confirmed that King Charles would act as Patron to the Clydesdale Society and the RSPCA.
Katie Gilmour is the host of Poles, Piaffe & Prosecco: the podcast for riders that love to train, laugh and drink prosecco! The podcast is free to listen to on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Katie is a Webby and ESMA award winning multi-media journalist with an equestrian focus. She hosts the podcast Poles, Piaffe & Prosecco, which is free to listen to on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Katie lives on her family farm in West Sussex with her husband, four children and an assortment of horses, ponies, dogs, cats and poultry.
