King Charles and Queen Camilla have become patrons of a number of performing arts organisations following a review of more than 1,000 royal patronages.
The Royal Shakespeare Company, the Royal Academy of Music, the Royal Northern College of Music, the Royal College of Music and Liverpool Philharmonic Society, Orchestra and Choir are among the arts organisations of which the King will become patron, while the Queen takes up patronage of the Royal Academy of Dance.
The King will also continue his patronage of the Actors’ Benevolent Fund, the Welsh National Opera, English Chamber Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
The new and continued patronages were announced to mark the first anniversary of the King and Queen’s coronation on May 6.
The RSC said in a statement, that becoming patron showed the King’s "deep and long-held passion for Shakespeare" and recognised "the contribution of the work of William Shakespeare to the life and culture of the UK and wider world".
Jonathan Freeman-Attwood, Royal Academy of Music’s principal, said he was "delighted" by the news, adding: "The King’s love of music and championing of musical organisations throughout his life is something we continue to treasure. Never has such support been more appreciated as we continue to navigate the many challenges faced by the arts."
Linda Merrick, principal of the Royal Northern College of Music, where the late Queen Elizabeth served as patron for more than half a century, said she was "proud and privileged" to receive the King’s patronage.
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Meanwhile, Michael Eakin, chief executive of Liverpool Philharmonic Society, said he was "immensely grateful".
Royal College of Music director Colin Lawson commented that he was "delighted".
The Queen’s patronage of the Royal Academy of Dance follows her service as vice patron since 2020.
Tim Arthur, Royal Academy of Dance’s chief executive, said: "On behalf of the RAD, I am truly delighted that Queen Camilla is our new patron."
Arthur added: "Queen Camilla has been so supportive of our organisation, championing our programmes including Silver Swans, which is designed to encourage older people to dance. The RAD has had a long, positive history and relationship with the royal family."
Darcy Bussell, president of the RAD, commented: "This is just wonderful news. Queen Camilla has been such an engaged supporter of the RAD for many years. Her patronage will make such a difference to the members of RAD and will help encourage all generations to benefit from the many attributes of dance."
Alongside the organisations receiving patronage for the first time, about 200 organisations are set to lose their royal patrons following the review.
Of the 492 organisations of which the late Queen Elizabeth was patron, 376 have been retained by the King and Queen, or passed on to another member of the royal family.
The King has retained or passed on 367 of the 441 patronages he held as Prince of Wales, while 91 of the 100 organisations that received patronage from the Queen as Duchess of Cornwall will continue to be supported by the royal family.
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