CPRE is delighted and honoured that His Majesty, The King has announced his patronage of CPRE, the countryside charity, following a review of Royal patronages conducted by the Royal Household after His Majesty’s accession to the throne.
CPRE has held Royal patronage since it was founded in 1926 and The King will be the second monarch to serve as patron following his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
The King has shown his love for the countryside for many years. At the age of 21, he delivered his first speech on environmental issues in his capacity as the Chairman of the Welsh Countryside Committee. He went on to dedicate more than 50 years to championing the UK’s response to the nature and climate crises.
His advocacy of environmental causes has included banning peat in his gardens in the 1980s, founding the organic brand Duchy Originals in 1990, and promoting sustainable agriculture at the 2020 World Economic Forum.
In 2010 he wrote a foreword to ‘Icons of England’ (Black Swan), a CPRE celebration of the English countryside edited by Bill Bryson.
CPRE was deeply honoured to have Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as its patron throughout her long reign. This makes the news of The King’s decision to take on the patronage of the CPRE all the more poignant.
Commenting on the news CPRE CEO, Roger Mortlock, said: “We are absolutely delighted and honoured that His Majesty King Charles III has been confirmed as the CPRE’s new patron. In rapidly changing times, we are working as hard as ever across our networks of local groups to secure and promote positive progress for our countryside. With CPRE’s centenary approaching in 2026, His Majesty’s support will be hugely valued by trustees, staff, volunteers and our members.”
Ron Simpson BEM, Chair of CPRE Rutland said, “This is great news and confirmation that the Royal Household and its advisors continue to recognise the charity as a leading advocate for the countryside. This announcement will help enhance public support for our work at national and local level. We look forward to seeing His Majesty in the county at some future date.”
