King Charles III retains patronage of Royal College of Psychiatrists

Press release
17 May 2024

We are delighted his Majesty King Charles III has chosen to retain the Patronage of RCPsych.

The College was among more than 1,000 organisations to be considered as part of an extensive review of Royal Patronages by the Royal Household, after his Majesty’s accession to the throne.

King Charles III has provided invaluable support since he first became Royal Patron of the College 40 years ago, in 1984 as the former Prince of Wales. In 1991, he was made an Honorary Fellow of the College.

The commitment to mental health continues through the Royal Family. The College is proud to support our members who work with the Royal Foundation on several important issues. These include both HRH The Prince of Wales’s Homewards programme tackling homelessness and HRH The Princess of Wales’s Early Childhood programme. 

Dr Lade Smith CBE, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said: 

"This year marks the 40th anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Patronage of the College and we are extremely grateful and fortunate to have received his support throughout the past four decades. 

"We are thrilled that His Majesty has chosen to remain our Royal Patron and look forward to our continued engagement with him to highlight the importance of mental health. 

"This honour reflects the significant efforts of all our members and staff, and the vital work they do to secure the best outcomes for people with mental illness."

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