We are delighted to announce that His Majesty The King has accepted the Patronage of The Fire Fighters Charity.
The news, falling on the anniversary of Their Majesties’ Coronation, sees a continuation of our Royal Patronage, which began when the late Queen Elizabeth II first became Patron of the then Fire Services National Benevolent Fund in 1953.
Retaining the Patronage for 69 years, until her death in September 2022, The Queen held our organisation in great affection, referring to us as an “outstanding charity” in a letter she wrote to mark our Diamond Jubilee year.
Chief Executive Sherine Wheeler said: “We are honoured to have been chosen as one of His Majesty’s charities and are immeasurably proud to welcome The King as our Patron.
“The Patronage of The late Queen, over almost seven decades, reflected the high regard in which our fire and rescue services – and those who work for them – are held by the Royal Household. So, I am delighted that we can continue to honour this legacy under the Patronage of His Majesty The King.”
Chair of The Fire Fighters Charity’s Trustee Board, John Baines, said: “On behalf of the Charity’s Board of Trustees, all our beneficiaries, and indeed all those who work for our fire and rescue services, I am proud to welcome His Majesty The King as Patron of The Fire Fighters Charity.”
In recent years, we have maintained close ties with the Royal Household, working closely with The Royal Foundation, proudly joining the Emergency Responder Senior Leaders Board and welcoming Prince William, the then Duke of Cambridge, to Harcombe House in 2019.
Image credit: Hugo Burnand