The Princess Royal has been named the new Patron of Royal Star & Garter, a veterans’ charity that has supported injured and elderly service personnel for over a century.
She becomes the third member of the Royal Family to hold this prestigious title, continuing a legacy of royal support for the organisation.
The charity, founded on 14 January 1916 in response to the needs of severely injured soldiers returning from World War I, was initially established following concerns raised by Queen Mary. She tasked the British Red Cross Society with finding a ‘permanent haven’ for wounded servicemen and later became the charity’s first Patron.
The Princess Royal: The new Patron of veterans’ charity Royal Star & Garter. (Photograph: Jeremy Makinson)
Elizabeth II served as Patron from 1953 until her passing in 2022, cementing the organisation’s ties to the Royal Family.
Now, The Princess Royal, known for her unwavering dedication to veterans and military personnel, takes on the role, reinforcing her long-standing commitment to those who have served. Anne is Patron of over 400 charities, organisations and military affiliations in the UK and overseas.
While The Princess Royal steps into the role of Patron, Royal Star & Garter has confirmed that Princess Alexandra will continue as the charity’s President – a position she has faithfully held since 1964.
Royal Star & Garter provides compassionate, specialist care for veterans and their partners living with disabilities or dementia. With homes in Solihull, Surbiton, and High Wycombe, the charity ensures that those who have served their country receive the highest quality of care. Additionally, it has recently expanded its services to reach veterans in the wider community.
Elizabeth II was the previous Patron of Royal Star & Garter. ( Royal Star & Garter)
Major General Tim Tyler CB, Chair at Royal Star & Garter, said: ‘We are honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal as our new Patron. The Princess is admired for her dedication to good causes and her devotion to public work, as well as her long association with the Armed Forces. We look forward to welcoming Her Royal Highness to our Homes to meet the veterans and partners we care for.’
‘Our former Patron, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, demonstrated genuine enthusiasm for our work. We are delighted that The Princess is continuing her mother’s support for the military family. The Princess is already well acquainted with our charity, both through Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s Patronage and the support of her great-grandmother Queen Mary, who was our first Patron in 1916. On behalf of the residents, relatives, volunteers and members of staff, we welcome our new Patron and look forward to sharing our ambitions to support more veterans and their families than ever before.’
