The Princess Royal has been named as the new Patron of the Royal Geographical Society following the news that her mother, The Queen, was stepping down from the role to reduce her workload.
The Queen, who has been Patron of the society for over 60 years, will step down from the role in the New Year meaning her daughter will take up the position.
Dr Rita Gardner CBE, Director of the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) said: “The Society fully understands the need for The Queen to reduce her workload at this time in her life, and we thank her for her patronage and support.
“The Princess Royal is a great supporter of the Society and its charitable work and has been an active Honorary Vice-President. We are looking forward to working with Her Royal Highness in her new role.”
The society is the UK’s learned society and professional body for geography, founded in 1830. According to their website, they are the “world leader in advancing geography and supporting its practitioners in the UK and across the world.”
Her Majesty, who turned 90 this year, is thought to be stepping down as Patron of the Royal Geographical Society and 24 other organisations due to her advancing age and the gradual decline in her workload.
The news that The Queen will no longer be Patron of these 25 charities is not unexpected. In 2011, when The Duke of Edinburgh turned 90, he also gave up a number of patronages.
The Queen is currently Patron of over 600 organisations, meaning the 25 she is handing over is a relatively small 5% of her workload.
Other members of The Royal Family, including Prince William, are taking up the patronages.
So far, it has been announced that The Duchess of Cornwall will become Patron of Barnardo’s, The Countess of Wessex will become Patron of the NSPCC, and The Duke of Cambridge will take over the royal patronage of the Amateur Swimming Association.