Celebrating 100 years of our Royal Charter

In 2026, we are marking 100 years since the College was awarded its Royal Charter.

Background

The College’s origins are somewhat complex due to several predecessor organisations and name changes: 

  • Association of Medical Officers of Asylums and Hospitals for the Insane (1841 – 1865) 
  • Medico-Psychological Association (MPA) (1865 – 1926)
  • Royal Medico-Psychological Association (1926 –1971)  
  • Royal College of Psychiatrists (1971-)

In 1926, when the Association was granted a Royal Charter and became the Royal Medico-Psychological Association, the Association was also granted a coat of arms by the College of Arms. The Arms contain the serpent entwined rod of Asclepius and the butterflies of Psyche, to symbolise the healing of the mind.

Receiving a Royal Charter gave the MPA certain rights, powers, privileges and functions. It also set out the organisation's objectives, basic constitution and powers to govern its business affairs. 

Later, in 1971, the Royal Medico-Psychological Association was granted a Supplemental Charter and its name became the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

As well as a change of name, the College has continued to develop and expand its reach since 1926. The membership has increased from around 800 members in 1926 to over 22,000 in 2026, and its purpose and remit have evolved to the mission it proudly serves today: to secure the best outcomes for people with mental illness, learning difficulties and developmental disorders by promoting excellent mental health services, training outstanding psychiatrists, promoting quality and research, setting standards and being the voice of psychiatry.

How we will mark the centenary

The College will be marking the centenary of this event throughout the year, including:

  • running a member contribution project between 9-13 March to gather a snapshot of psychiatry in 2026
  • on 13 March, hosting a member event at Prescot Street where the College's past presidents will reflect on how psychiatry has changed over the years, and what the future holds. Booking for this event is now open, places are limited so book your ticket early to avoid disappointment. 
  • on 30 April, a free member webinar entitled 1926 and All That: Patients, Veterans, Psychiatrists and the Royal Charter featuring talks from Professor John Crichton, Dr Claire Hilton, and Professor Edgar Jones. Bookings for this will open soon.
  • launching a new commemorative pin badge – available to purchase in the College shop soon
  • publishing a timeline highlighting key moments over the last 100 years – coming soon
  • a special editorial for BJPsych looking back over key papers that we have published in every decade over the last 100 years
  • …and more!