Showing posts with label Charity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Charity. Show all posts

Thursday, 5 October 2023

Closure of The Earl & Countess of Wessex Charitable Trust

Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie have now closed The Earl & Countess of Wessex Charitable Trust. The trust was set up ahead of the couple's wedding and was previous called The Bagshot Park Charity. Then later, the Wessex Youth Trust.

The trust had been largely inactive for the last a few years. The initial funding for the trust came from the media rights for the couple's 1999 wedding. The couple did not do much fundraising beyond that. The trust issued grants to small charities twice a year, mainly focusing on children's charities.

In 2022/2023, The Earl & Countess of Wessex Charitable Trust transferred their remaining funds £110,000 to The Edinburgh Trust No2. The Edinburgh Trust No2 was founded by the late Prince Philip and supports "general charitable purposes". Mainly it is used to provide financial support to Prince Phillip's patronages.

The Edinburgh Trust No2 was handed over the Edward & Sophie after Philip's death in 2021.

From The Edinburgh Trust No2's 2021 Annual Report. Most of these orgs were patroanges of Prince Philip.



I think the decision to close The Earl & Countess of Wessex Charitable Trust was because it had served it's initial purpose to distribute the money from the wedding media rights. And that Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie wanted to shift their focus and energy supporting to the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, which is a large part of their royal duties.

According to the Court Circular, the last official engagement for The Earl and Countess of Wessex Charitable Trust was a dinner held in January 2020.


Wednesday, 9 January 2019

Duchess Meghan - Official Patronages

Patronages are not always for a lifetime, but often a set amount of time (for an appeal, 3 years, 5 years, etc). The patronages are reviewed after that period and usually renewed.

This list is only of current patronages:

Smart Works
Patron (January 2019 - Present)

Smart Works was founded in 2013 to help long term unemployed and vulnerable women succeed in job interviews, return to employment and transform their lives. Smart Works provides complete outfits of high-quality clothes for job interviews, one-to-one interview training, and professional & personal development.

Smart Works has locations in London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Reading, Birmingham, and Newcastle.


Back to The Sussexs - Main Page

Wednesday, 9 December 2015

Queen Camilla's Official Patronages - Overview

The Duchess of Cornwall at Commonwealth Big Lunch (March 13, 2018) - 005
The Big Lunch, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Queen Camila is Patron or President of over 70 Charities and organizations, with a few dating back to before her marriage to King Charles. 

Patronages are not for a life-time, but a set amount of time (for a appeal, 3 years, 5 years, etc). Patronages are usually reviewed after every 5 years, and possibly renewed.


In a effort to keep the list of patronages manageable we have broken down into categories, each linked below:

Many Patronages will fall under multiple categories, we listed them in the one category where we felt they best fit. 

Camilla's Official Patronages - Sport

In a effort to kept things organized this section features only Duchess Camilla's Sport patronages.  You can find links to all of her patronages here. 

Patron (April 2006)

British Equestrian Federation is the National Governing Body for horse sports in the UK.

Patron (2007)

Scottish National Equestrian Centre is a equestrian training and competition centre in Scotland. 
Patron (2011)

Lady Joseph Charitable Trust is a UK charity that helps fund equestrian riders with a wide rage of disabilities. They mainly support Para-Equestrian Dressage, which is the only Equestrian discipline in the Paralympic Games. 


Also Check Out:

Queen Camilla's Official Patronages - Health Care

Helen & Douglas House, Penn Road
Helen & Douglas House, Penn Road
by Basher Eyre
, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In a effort to kept things organized this section features only Queen Camilla's Health Care patronages.  You can find links to all of her patronages here. 
Patron: April 1997 - October 2001
President: October 2001 - 2025-Present

Royal Osteoporosis Society is a UK-based charity that works towards better diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of osteoporosis. They also work to influence health and social care policy for people with osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones in our body to become fragile and prone to break. 

The charity was formerly called the National Osteoporosis Society. It changed its name in 2019, when it was granted the use of "Royal" in its name. 

Camilla's mother, Rosalind Shand, died of the disease in 1994.

Royal College of Podiatry
Patron: September 2005- 2025 - Present

The College of Podiatry is the Professional body for podiatrists and students of podiatry.
The organization was formerly called the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists

The Queen Mum was previously Patron from 1981-2002.
Patron (2006)

The Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases is a hospital in Bath that specializes in rheumatic diseases and rehabilitation. They also treat chronic fatigue and chronic pain. The Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases provide patient-centred care to people of all ages. 


Charity Number: 1085951
Patron: 2007-2025-Present

Helen House was the world's first children's hospice, opening in 1982. Douglas House was founded in 2004 for young adults age 16-35. This was a unique hospice since it deals with young adults. They would often find the environment of a children or adult hospice ill-suited. 


Helen and Douglas House's hospices provide specialist and end-of-life care for children and young adults with life-shortening conditions. It also provides support & relief for their families. They have locations in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Gloucestershire, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, and parts of London.


Scotland Charity Number: SC024414
President: November 2008-2025-Present

Maggie's Cancer Caring Centres is UK Cancer Charity. It offers people diagnosed with cancer (as well as their families, friends, employer) physical, emotional or social support. They do a variety of things from offering courses on managing stress, counseling on benefits they may be eligible for, bereavement support, information on cancer treatments, hair loss, returning to work, etc.


Charity Number: 1144097 
Patron: 2009-2025-Present

Wiltshire Air Ambulance Charitable Trust is a Charity in Wiltshire, England. The Charity runs emergency helicopters to injured people in the Area. It can get to anywhere in Wiltshire in 11 minutes and attend on average 3 potentially life-saving missions a day. 

Charity Number: 1133295
Patron: January 2011-2025-Present

Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust is a Charity in Cornwall, England. The Charity runs emergency helicopters to injured people in the Area. 

Charity Number: 295716
President: June 2012-2025-Present

Breakthrough T1D, formerly known as JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), is a UK nonprofit organization dedicated to funding research and advocating for advancements in type 1 diabetes treatment and a potential cure. The organization supports scientific innovation, community engagement, and policy initiatives to improve the lives of those affected by the condition.

Charity Number: 207711
Patron of Arthritis Research UK: October 2012- 2018
Patron of Versus Athritus: 2018-2025-Present

Versus Arthritis is a UK charity dedicated to supporting people with arthritis through research, advocacy, and community programs. Formed in 2018 from the merger of Arthritis Research UK and Arthritis Care, it works to improve treatments, raise awareness, and provide support for those living with arthritis.

Queen Camila was pervious patron of Arthritis Research UK before it's merger. 

Prospect Hospice

Charity Number: 280093
President: 2013-2025-Present

Prospect Hospice serves the communities of Swindon, Marlborough and north Wiltshire, and the villages of Lechlade and Fairford in Gloucestershire. They provide end of life care as well as support of the patients and their families. 
Charity Number: 1003314
Patron: May 2014- 2025-Present

Children's Hospice South West is a hospice for children with life-limiting conditions in the South West of England. They provide respite and short breaks, emergency care, palliative care and end of life care. As well as supports for the families. 

Charity Number: 1124533
Patron: 2014- 2025-Present

Medical Detection Dogs uses animals to help diagnose serious illnesses, including detecting cancer and sniffing for peanuts . These dogs can also work with people suffering from diabetes and warn them if their blood-sugar levels are too high or low.

Charity Number: 1147094
President of The Duchenne Children's Trust: 2014- 2016
President: 2016-2025-Present

The Duchenne Children's Trust is a organization that works to fund clinical research and trials for treatments and a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Duchenne UK was formed in April 2016, by the coming together of Duchenne Children's Trust and Joining Jack. Queen Camilla was president of Duchenne Children's Trust from 2014 to it's merger. 

Camilla's former Daughter, Sara Parker Bowles is one of the Patrons of the organization. & previous served as Patron of 
Duchenne Children's Trust.

Charity Number: 249562
Patron: November 2015-2025-Present

The London Clinic is one of the UK’s largest private hospitals. it is a independent hospital that functions as a charity. Any revenue the hospital makes is reinvested back into the hospital. 

The London Clinic was opened by the then Duke and Duchess of York, (later King George VI & Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mum) on 18th February 1932. An number of royals have opened facilities for the ever growing hospital over the years. 

Charity #: 1137409
Patron: February 2016? - 2017 - 2025-Present

Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity is a UK-based organization that provides specialist nurses and support for seriously ill children with complex medical conditions. Founded in 1991, the charity continues the legacy of author Roald Dahl by funding expert care and advocating for improved healthcare services for children.

Charity  Number: 213128
Patron: 2024- 2025-Present

The Queen's Nursing Institute (QNI) is a UK charity dedicated to improving nursing care in the community by supporting and developing community nurses. Founded in 1887, it provides training, funding, and advocacy to enhance healthcare services outside hospitals, ensuring high-quality patient care at home and in local settings.

Previous Patrons:
  • Queen Victoria (1887-1901)
  • Queen Alexandra (1901-1925)
  • Queen Mary (1925-1953)
  • Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mum (1953-2022)
  • Queen Elizabeth II (2002-2022)
  • Queen Camilla (2024-Present)

The Queen's Nursing Institute Scotland
Scotland Charity Number:  SC005751
Patron: 2024- 2025-Present

The Queen's Nursing Institute Scotland is a Scotland charity dedicated to improving nursing care in the community by supporting and developing community nurses. It provides training, funding, and advocacy to enhance healthcare services outside hospitals, ensuring high-quality patient care at home and in local settings.

Previous Patrons: 
  • Queen Elizabeth (?-2022)

Queen Camilla's Official Patronages - Elderly

50s
Women's Volunteer Service 
CABM VBM, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In an effort to keep things organized this section features only Queen Camilla's Elderly patronages.You can find links to all of her patronages here. 

Trustee (2000-2005)
Patron (2005) 

Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust is a charity in Wiltshire that works with the Wiltshire Police to provide home security services for elderly, vulnerable and disadvantaged people in Wiltshire. The charity operates 2 vans that acts as command centers. They assist People at risk, or victim of, theft, burglary & domestic violence. Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust carries out security audits and fire risk assessments. When necessary they install security equipment and smoke detectors free of charge. 

President (December 2012-Present)

The Royal Voluntary Service is a volunteer organization that works with the elderly to allow them to stay active, independent and contribute to society. The organization was previously called the Women’s Royal Voluntary Service, 

They are also involved with research, and lobbying policies concerning the elderly. 
  • Past Patrons
    • Queen Mary (1938-?)
    • Queen Elizabeth II (1952-2022)
  • Past Presidents
    • Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mum (1938-?)
Patron (2017-Present)
Charity Number (England & Wales): 1147330
Charity Number (Scotland): SC044467

The Silver Line is a free, 24-hour telephone service for older people. The Silver Line Helpline is a subsidiary charity of Age UK. (Age UK is one of King Charles's Patronages). 

Also Check Out:
Camilla's Patronages Main Page

Camilla's Official Patronages - Conservation/Agriculture


In a effort to kept things organized this section features only Duchess Camilla's Conservation/Agriculture patronages.  You can find links to all of her patronages here. 
Patron (2005)

Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum is a charity set up to support the Westonbirt Arboretum. The Arboretum on 600 acres and has over 2,500 different types of tree. 

Patron (2006)

Wilts & Berks Canal Trust is a charity that works to protect, conserve and improve the canal between Wiltshire and Berkshire, and its branches.
Patron (2009)
The Plumpton College Charitable Foundation assists  Plumpton College students with financial hardship as well as raise funds to improvement the resources at the College.  

Plumpton College teaches land-based courses including Agriculture, Horticulture, Floristry, Greenkeeping, Hard Landscaping, Equine, etc.

President (2011)

United Kingdom Vineyards Association is a organization for English and Welsh grape growers and winemakers. The organization works to share information, and promote and develop the England wine industry.  

The organization hosts the English and Welsh Wine of the Year Competition every year. 


Patron (June 2008)

Cowbringe Physic Garden Trust runs a volunteer garden in Cowbridge, Wales. The Garden is set up like a traditional Physics garden with plants and herbs with healing or soothing
properties.

Also Check Out:

Camilla's Official Patronages - Community


In a effort to kept things organized this section features only Duchess Camilla's Community patronages.  You can find links to all of her patronages here. 

Patron (2005)

Community First is a Wiltshire and Swindon based charity. They provides technical advice,  support and grants to initiatives in their community. They working with parish and town councils, youth clubs, community transport, voluntary organizations, etc. They focus on community development, support and access for what is largely a rural area. 
Emmaus UK 
Patron (2006)

Emmaus UK is a homeless charity. Emmaus was founded in Paris, in 1949. The first Emmaus community in the UK was founded in 1992 and the UK now has the largest Emmaus movement outside of France. Emmaus provides homeless individuals with shelter as well as a job at the local Emmaus community business (store, cafe, etc).  The job pays for their housing, food and upkeep, as well as provides each individual with a small weekly allowance. 

Emmaus UK works to not only provide for homeless individuals but to rebuild their lives by offering them meaningful work and support.

Patron (2007)

Crathie Opportunity Holidays is a Scottish charity. The charity hopes to provide people with a range of disabilities suitable holiday accommodations. The charity has a number of cottages in Crathie, designed to offer maximum accessibility, while maintaining the highest standard of accommodations. 

President and Patron (August 2007)

Shelterbox provides emergency shelter and vital supplies to communities overwhelmed by disaster and humanitarian crisis.



Patron (2009)

St. John's Hospital is a charity that provided disadvantaged people in Bath with accommodations and financial support.  

President (2011)

CleanupUK is a project to bring communities together to clean up litter. 

East Sussex Women of the Year Lunch
Honorary Patron (2011)

The East Sussex Women of the Year Lunch was created to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions, achievements and inspiration shown by women working in professional and voluntary roles in East Sussex. 

Patron (October 2012)

Guild of St. Bride is religious guild for St. Bride's Church in London. The Guild supports the church's wider work. Due to the Churches proximity to Fleet Street, it has a long association with London's journalists and newspapers.

Patron (2013)

The Big Lunch is a project to get communities together for a annual lunch on the first Sunday in June. It hopes to promote community, friendship and fun.

Patron (July 2013)

Friends of Erlestoke Prison is a English charity that supports the rehabilitation of prisoners who are or have been prisoners at HMP Erlestoke.  The Charity helps funds programs and initiatives that are beyond the scope of prison budgets, such as housing support workers, helping to foster relationships between inmates and their children, workshops, classes, etc. 

Camilla became patron in July 2013, for a initial 5 years. 

Also Check Out:

Queen Camilla's Official Patronages - Children & Young People

Barnardo's, Horsefair Centre, Wetherby, West Yorkshire.  Taken on the evening of Easter Monday the 1st April 2024.
Mtaylor848, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In an effort to keep things organized this section features only Queen Camilla's Children & Young People patronages.  You can find links to all of her patronages here. 

Charity Number: 216250
President: October 2007-  December 2016
Patron: December 2016-2025-Present

Barnardo's was started in 1867 by Dr. Barnardo to help vulnerable children. They deal with a wide range of children's issues from fostering and adoption, young carers, sexual exploitation, poverty, and domestic violence. 

Previous Patrons: 
  • Queen Elizabeth II
  • Queen Alexandra
  • Queen Mary
Previous Presidents: 
  • Princess Mary Adelaide
  • Princes Diana (1984-1996)
  • Duchess Camilla (later Queen Camilla) (2007-2016)

Charity Number: 1116027
President: April 2009-2025-Present

Ebony Horse Club is a London Charity that takes inner-city children from South London and teaches them to ride horses. Horse ridding provides them with positive interaction with animals, as well as allow them to build confidence and courage. The charity also provides their children with mentoring.

Wicked Young Writers' Award
Patron (2010)

The Wicked Young Writers' Award is a youth and young peoples creative writing award founded by the musical Wicked. 

The award is in partnership with the National Literacy Trust, which Camilla is also a Patron of. 


Charity Number: 249562
Patron: December 2010-2025-Present

The London Taxidrivers' Fund for Underprivileged Children is a UK based for charity for special needs children. They organize special outing for special needs children, from trips to the sea, zoo, etc. The charity raised money for the families, children's homes and hospitals that serve these special needs children.

The charity also provided for Taxi-drivers and their  families who have fallen on hard times. 
Charity Number: 1129544
Patron: June 2014-2025-Present

Jamie's Farm is a charity that works to re-engage at-risk students both educational and socially. They provide week-long residential stays at a farm. The children engage with animals, nature, and learn farming to build self-esteem, relationships and better behavior.