HM King Charles announced as new RCN patron

The Royal College of Nursing, along with a number of selected organisations across the UK, has been granted patronage to mark the first anniversary of the King’s coronation. 
 
On reading the acceptance letter from Buckingham Palace, RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive Professor Pat Cullen was thrilled that the College’s patronage will continue from the head of the royal family. 

Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was patron of the RCN from her coronation in 1953, until her death in 2022.  

The letter came following a major review of more than 1,000 royal patronages and charity presidencies conducted by the Royal Household. 

As Prince of Wales, His Majesty actively supported the cadet scheme delivered by the RCN and which continues to be rolled out across the UK. 

Pat said: “This is such fantastic news for our members and for the College. We are deeply grateful to His Majesty for demonstrating his support and appreciation for the nursing profession by continuing our long connection with the royal family.

“We look forward to working with His Majesty and with his support and backing, continue to elevate the voice of nursing.” 

The RCN was first awarded royal patronage in 1926, just 10 years after the RCN was founded, when Queen Mary became the College’s first official patron.

Since then, the College has always been under the patronage of a senior member of the royal family, including both HRH Princess Margaret and HM Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.