His Majesty King Charles III has been confirmed as the Royal Patron for the Royal Veterinary College (RVC). This announcement follows a review of the royal patronages which was shared as part of wider celebrations to mark the first anniversary of Their Majesties’ Coronation.
This continues the RVC’s honour of royal patronage which was first acquired from King George V. The RVC’s royal patronage was most recently held by the late Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh.
The RVC’s connection to the Royal Family was established in 1875, when it received its first Royal Charter from Queen Victoria. Since then, it has enjoyed several visits to its Hawkshead campus including, the attendance of HRH The Princess Royal at the RVC’s 1994 graduation ceremony; the opening of the Large Animal Clinical Centre and Eclipse Building in 2003, by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Prince Philip; and the official opening of the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals by Her Majesty The Queen (then Duchess of Cornwall).
Professor Stuart Reid CBE, President & Principal of the RVC, said: “We are honoured that His Majesty has graciously agreed to be our Patron, continuing the long association between the Royal Family and the RVC. We look forward to welcoming His Majesty to our campuses and sharing the achievements of our staff and students.”
Baroness Young of Old Scone, Member and Chair of the RVC Council, said: “The Royal Family has supported the RVC since 1875, so we are incredibly fortunate and grateful that His Majesty has agreed to continue this association and support of our world-leading research, teaching and clinical services with his patronage.”
