Charities in limbo as Queen Elizabeth II’s death leaves them without royal patronage

A poll by the Charities Aid Foundation suggested that a third of people think supporting charities is the most important role played by the Royal Family.

A total of 25% said they had heard of charities or appeals because of royal support.

The British Red Cross is one of the charities that operates under a Royal Charter, which states that patronage of the organization is reserved for the reigning monarch – meaning it automatically passes to the King.

A spokesperson for the organization said: ‘The Royal Family may also name heirs and successors to serve as Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the British Red Cross. An announcement on future sponsorship of the organization will be made in due course.

“The associations are contacted”

Along with the charities whose patron was the late queen, the change in monarch has left those who were once patronized by the new king wondering about their future royal ties.

As Prince of Wales, King Charles served as patron of the Goon Show Preservation Society in 1998, reflecting his love for the 1950s radio show.

The Drews of the organization pondered the possibility of continuing the association under the new monarch.

“To think that a king would still be interested in something as silly as The Goon Show, even if it’s great fun, I don’t know what to say,” he said, revealing that the company doesn’t hadn’t heard from the palace yet.

“We just had an AGM, oddly enough, in Finchley where there’s the beautiful statue of Spike [Milligan].

“A few of the members there were saying ‘what’s going on, are we going to get King Charles?

“We’re just waiting to hear to be honest.”

A palace source described the task of reassigning sponsorships for charities as a “long process”.

A Buckingham Palace source said: “Obviously there’s been a huge amount to organize and things are in progress. Charities are being contacted.”

The death of the late Queen also upended the Royal Warrant system.

All warrants granted by Queen Elizabeth became void on her death, although companies are allowed to keep the royal insignia on their packaging, website and official documents for two years.

A mark of recognition for those who provide goods or services to the royal household, royal warrants can only be granted by the monarch and their chosen grantors.