King Charles has taken on two civil service patronages previously held by his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
One year on from his coronation, the monarch has become patron of the Charity for Civil Servants and patron of the Civil Service Club, following a major review of patronages by the Royal Household.
The Charity for Civil Servants – formally the Civil Service Benevolent Fund – provides support to current, former and retired civil servants facing a tough time. It is supported by fund-raising conducted by civil servants.
Charity chief executive Graham Hooper said King Charles' decision to become patron maintained a connection to the monarch stretching back almost 140 years.
“We are extremely proud and honoured that his majesty has chosen to continue the tradition started by Queen Victoria when she became our inaugural patron in 1886," he said.
“His patronage of the charity recognises the vital work civil servants do day in day out in service of the country.”
King Charles' decision to become patron of the Civil Service Club also follows his late mother's seven-decade involvement with the organisation – which she was instrumental in creating.
The club, in Great Scotland Yard, just off Whitehall, was established after Queen Elizabeth II decided that part of a fund subscribed to by civil servants to mark her 1947 wedding should be made available to provide "a social facility within the reach of all".
The club opened its doors in 1953 and the late Queen was its patron until her death in 2022.
An unincorporated association, run by members for members, the club offers casual dining, 26 ensuite bedrooms, conference and meeting rooms, and a bar. It is open to serving, former and retired members of the home civil service – and members of the diplomatic service.