Celebrating 100 years of our Royal Charter
In 2026, we are marking 100 years since we were awarded a 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 at set points throughout the year 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.
- 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
- launching the Centenary Appeal: honouring our past, supporting our future, inviting members to support the College’s work, with donors recognised on the Centenary Donor Wall
- launching a new commemorative pin badge – available to purchase in the College shop
- publishing a timeline highlighting key moments over the last 100 years
- a special editorial for BJPsych looking back over key papers that we have published in every decade over the last 100 years
- …and more!