THE PRINCESS Royal has been announced as the new patron of veterans’ charity Royal Star and Garter.
Princess Anne is the charity’s third patron since it was founded in 1916, succeeding her late mother, Queen Elizabeth.
Queen Elizabeth was Royal Star and Garter’s Patron from 1953 until her death in 2022.
The Princess Royal is involved with over 400 charities, organisations and military affiliations in the UK and overseas, and is renowned for her warm relationship, affinity and support for Armed Forces veterans.
The charity was established in January 1916 to care for severely injured men returning from the battlegrounds of the First World War following concern expressed by Queen Mary.
She charged the British Red Cross Society with finding them a ‘permanent haven’ and became the charity’s first patron.
The charity now cares for veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia, at homes, including one in Solihull
The Royal Star and Garter has also launched new services reaching out into the community.
Major General Tim Tyler, chair at Royal Star and Garter. He 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, 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 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.”
Princess Alexandra will remain as the charity’s president, a role she has served in for 60 years, since 1964.
