Royal Patronage Continues at Christ’s Hospital

King Charles III maintains Royal Patronage to the UK’s leading charitable school.

We are proud to announce that His Majesty King Charles III will be retaining Royal Patronage of Christ’s Hospital.

The King’s ongoing royal endorsement highlights the vital work of Christ’s Hospital and acknowledges the school’s valuable contributions to society. This commitment is especially noteworthy considering that, after becoming King in September 2022, a major review of Royal Patronages took place, leading to a strategic reduction in the royal household’s patronages.

Head Teacher of Christ’s Hospital, Simon Reid said: ‘We are deeply honoured that His Majesty The King has chosen to retain Royal Patronage of Christ’s Hospital. Our school’s continued association with the Monarch highlights its standing and the value placed on our contribution to education in Britain.’

Over the centuries, Christ’s Hospital has continued to enjoy Royal Patronage; His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge started a tradition of Royal Presidents in 1854. In 1919, His Majesty George V became the school’s first Royal Patron, followed by His Majesty George VI and Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

To mark his first official royal visit to the City of London, according to an ancient tradition dating back to 1553, The King received a Loyal Address from the Senior Grecian (head student) of Christ’s Hospital, Zaphaneth Puplampu, on 18 October 2023. A Loyal Address from a Christ’s Hospital student has been accepted by many of the monarchs since Mary I.  Queen Elizabeth II received the Loyal Address on the steps of St Paul’s Cathedral, on 9 June 1953.

During the late Queen’s reign, it was a great honour for Christ’s Hospital to welcome her to the school on two occasions for an official visit, the most recent being in 2003. The school looks forward to welcoming King Charles III in the near future to celebrate him becoming our Royal Patron.