King Charles confirmed as RVC Royal Patron
The review of royal patronages marked the anniversary of the King's coronation.
The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has officially confirmed King Charles III as its Royal Patron.
The announcement follows a review of royal patronages, shared as part of wider celebrations which marked the first anniversary of King Charles and Queen Camilla’s coronation.
King Charles’ patronage of the RVC continues a royal tradition, with the first patronage acquired by King George V. Most recently, royal patronage of the RVC was held by Prince Philip.
However, the veterinary school’s royal history reaches further than this, with Queen Victoria giving it its first Royal Charter in 1875.
Since then there have been a number of royal visits to RVC’s Hawkshead campus. This includes Princess Anne’s attendance of the 1994 graduation ceremony, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip opening the Large Animal Clinical Centre and Eclipse Building in 2003, and the official opening of an extension of the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals by Queen Camilla (then Duchess of Cornwall).
Queen Camilla remains a Patron of The Royal Veterinary College Animal Care Trust.
Now, as a Royal Patron of RVC, King Charles will support the work and research of the veterinary school.
Stuart Reid CBE, president and 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.”
Image © RVC
Eligible members of BEVA will be able to vote for their Council team until Monday, 17 August 2026. Members will have received an election email on 17 July.
