The Duchess of Cambridge's many royal patronages

June 26, 2019

<p><strong>Charity:</strong> Evelina London Children's Hospital</p>
<p><strong>Mission:</strong> The mother of three always puts the wellbeing of children at the forefront of her work, and this new patronage, announced at the end of 2018 with a visit to the house, will allow her to continue her important work. According to a release, she'll "champion the medical professionals working on the front-line in children's healthcare and shine a light on their work supporting children in their early years." The almost-150-year-old hospital is part of Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust.</p>
<p><strong>Patron since:</strong> December 2018
<p>Photo: © Getty Images</p>

<p><strong>Charity:</strong> All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club</p>
<p><strong>Mission:</strong> She's a staple in the stands at Wimbledon, where she stepped out solo for the first time with her new sister-in-law Duchess Meghan, and Kate's longtime love of the sport makes her a natural fit for this position. Taking over from Her Majesty, who held the role for 64 years, the keen athlete has had an honorary membership with the club since 2013. In her role as patron, she hands out the awards to Wimbledon champions.</p>
<p><strong>Patron since:</strong> December 2016
<p>Photo: © Getty Images</p>

<p><strong>Charity:</strong> Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families</p>
<p><strong>Mission:</strong> The charity aims to help young people and their families in their struggles with mental health, a cause that Kate has firmly established as one close to her heart. The centre is one of seven charities that partnered with the Royal Foundation for the Heads Together campaign, which aims to tackle the stigma of mental health and raise awareness. Kate has also vocally supported the <em>Child in Mind</em> podcast.</p>
<p><strong>Patron since:</strong> Early 2016
<p>Photo: © Getty Images</p>

<p><strong>Charity:</strong> The Lawn Tennis Association</p>
<p><strong>Mission:</strong> After 64 years, the Queen handed over her patronage with Britain's National Governing Body for tennis to the Duchess of Cambridge, a keen athlete and tennis fan. One of the organization's goals, which is perfectly in line with the mother-of-three's, is to get young people active and involved. The Tennis for Kids campaign engages five- to eight-year-olds, some of whom have had the chance to rally with the duchess herself!</p>
<p><strong>Patron since:</strong> December 2016
<p>Photo: © Getty Images</p>

Charity: Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Nursing Now campaign

Mission: The duchess, then pregnant with Prince Louis, stepped out in February 2018 to launch the Nursing Now campaign after a visit to the RCOG. The initiative aims to "raise the status and profile of nursing" in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and International Council of Nurses, empowering nurses to lead the charge on tackling 21st century health issues. "My great-grandmother and grandmother were both volunteer nurses," Kate said in a speech that day of her personal connection to the campaign. "They would have learned first-hand from working with the Voluntary Aid Detachment and the Red Cross about the care and compassion that sometimes only nurses can provide."

Patron since: February 2018

Photo: © Getty Images

<p><strong>Charity:</strong> Victoria and Albert Museum</p>
<p><strong>Mission:</strong> In a first for the royal family, the Duchess of Cambridge was appointed patron of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Kensington Palace announced the news on Twitter, stating that Kate's new patronage reflects her interest in the visual arts, photography and design. Kate has long been passionate about the arts, having graduated from the University of St Andrews in 2005 with a 2:1 in History of Art.</p>
<p><strong>Patron since:</strong> March 26, 2018
<p>Photo: © Getty Images</p>

<strong>Charity:</strong> Action for Children
<strong>Mission:</strong> This charity helps to support some of the UK's most vulnerable and neglected children and young people. Through their 650 services, they also aid parents and caregivers via fostering, adoption, schools, help for disabled youth, policy and much more.
<br><strong>Patron since:</strong> December 2016, when the Queen passed along the patronage
<br><strong>Photo:</strong> © Getty Images

<strong>Charity:</strong> Air Training Corps
<strong>Mission:</strong> The Duchess of Cambridge took over this patronage from keen supporter Prince Philip after his 63 years as Air Commodore-in-Chief. Through their training of the next generation of air cadets, the RAF allows youngsters to engage in activities that are challenging, educational and engaging. Participants initially join their local squadrons on a trial basis while they get to know their peers and see if the program is a good fit for them. In addition to teaching specific flight skills the organization strives to build confidence and leadership qualities.
<br><strong>Patron since:</strong> December 16, 2015
<br><strong>Photo:</strong> © Getty Images

<strong>Charity:</strong> Place2Be
<strong>Mission:</strong> Helping children in elementary and secondary schools cope with their struggles, Place2Be provides emotional and therapeutic services to boost confidence and offer early support for mental health problems. While they target a wide range of issues, some of the more common ones include strategies for coping with bullying, bereavement, domestic abuse and family breakdown.
<br><strong>Patron since:</strong> April 19, 2013
<br><strong>Photo:</strong> © Getty Images

<strong>Charity:</strong> The Natural History Museum
<strong>Mission:</strong> Kate made headlines when she took a young Prince George on a fun day out at the Natural History Museum. The educational establishment, which offers admission free of charge, is home to 80 million specimens spanning billions of years. Working to make science accessible, they provide opportunities for hands-on interaction, face-to-face meetings with experts and continuous studies by their scientists, with a special focus on natural resources and the changing eco-systems.
<br><strong>Patron since:</strong> April 19, 2013
<br><strong>Photo:</strong> © Getty Images

<strong>Charity:</strong> SportsAid
<strong>Mission:</strong> Originally started in 1976, SportsAid is an invaluable resource to young athletes struggling with the cost of going professional. Typically funding athletes aged 12 to 18 in more than 60 sports, this charity supported more than two thirds (both past and present) of those competing on behalf of the U.K.'s Olympic team in 2012. The money SportsAid provides comes entirely from donations.
<br><strong>Patron since:</strong> April 19, 2013
<br><strong>Photo:</strong> © Getty Images

<strong>Charity:</strong> 100 Women in Hedge Funds Philanthropic Initiatives
<strong>Mission:</strong> Originally established in 2001, this organization earned its first royal patron in 2009 when William signed on, followed by Kate and Harry in 2012. 100 Women in Hedge Funds has three primary philanthropic themes: female and family health, mentorship opportunities and education. They have raised more than $36 million for charities.
<br><strong>Patron since:</strong> January 1, 2013
<br><strong>Photo:</strong> © Getty Images

<strong>Charity:</strong> East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices
<strong>Mission:</strong> When families are faced with the devastating news that their child has a life-threatening illness, E.A.C.H. is there to help. Supporting babies through to youth under 18, this charity offers services free of charge and is willing to visit homes and hospitals, as well as maintaining their own community centres. Help comes in many forms, like play specialists, art and music therapy and family events that allow people facing similar situations to meet and interact with one another.
<br><strong>Patron since:</strong> January 5, 2012
<br><strong>Photo:</strong> © Getty Images

<strong>Charity:</strong>The 1851 Trust
<strong>Mission:</strong> A keen athlete and sailor herself, Kate always enjoys spending time with Ben Ainslie and the 1851 Trust. This sailing and education program was established in 2014 and works to engage young people while encouraging them to try new things. The organization believes this water sport can teach youth to be responsible and independent while improving their fitness, schooling them in problem-solving and helping them make new friends.
<br><strong>Patron since:</strong> October 13, 2014
<br><strong>Photo:</strong> © Getty Images

<strong>Charity:</strong> National Portrait Gallery, London
<strong>Mission:</strong> Having studied art history at the University of St Andrews, Kate's love of art is no secret, which makes this patronage a logical choice. The National Portrait gallery proudly offers the most extensive collection of portraits across the globe, displaying many in London but also in other parts of the U.K. Partially funded by the government, they also rely heavily on donations to continue their work in promoting the appreciation of portraits, bringing history to life and helping people understand more about the individuals who played (and play) key roles in British culture.
<br><strong>Patron since:</strong> January 5, 2012
<br><strong>Photo:</strong> © Getty Images

<strong>Charity:</strong> Action on Addiction
<strong>Mission:</strong> This charity supports both people with addictions and those living with addicts. In addition to providing specialist help and advice, the charity works across the field of addiction to improve research, prevention, treatment, support and professional development by increasing general public understanding and the quality of education available to future addiction workers, psychiatrists, psychologists and neuroscientists.
<br><strong>Patron since:</strong> January 5, 2012
<br><strong>Photo:</strong> © Getty Images

<strong>Charity:</strong> The Art Room
<strong>Mission:</strong> Specifically aimed at youth aged five to 16, The Art Room has eight locations across the U.K. and focuses on improving confidence and self esteem. Many of the people who rely on these services need time away from a regular style of education – often due to learning conditions like autism. Offering structure, a positive, non-judgemental environment and someone to talk to, The Art Room encourages youngsters to share their problems and make their own decisions.
<br><strong>Patron since:</strong> January 5, 2012
<br><strong>Photo:</strong> © Getty Images

Time has flown by since <a href="/tags/0/kate-middleton/">Duchess Kate</a> became the Duchess of Cambridge at her April 2011 wedding, but <a href="/tags/0/prince-william/">Prince William</a>'s wife has made every second count, welcoming heir <a href="/tags/0/prince-george/">Prince George</a> and his siblings, <a href="/tags/0/princess-charlotte/">Princess Charlotte</a> and <a href="/tags/0/prince-louis/">Prince Louis</a> and taking on an assortment of royal patronages.
<p>These royal affiliations bring great value to charitable organizations, spotlighting their efforts on a global scale and helping them to grow and achieve their goals. Plus, fundraisers are sometimes held at palaces, which can increase the donations raised at the event.
<p>From mental health to parenthood, Kate has aligned with a number of causes that hold great meaning for her.
<p><strong>Click through to find out which causes are close to the duchess's heart and the special ways Britain's future queen is making a difference...</strong>
<p>Photo: © Getty Images

Time has flown by since Duchess Kate became the Duchess of Cambridge at her April 2011 wedding, but Prince William's wife has made every second count, welcoming heir Prince George and his siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis and taking on an assortment of royal patronages.

These royal affiliations bring great value to charitable organizations, spotlighting their efforts on a global scale and helping them to grow and achieve their goals. Plus, fundraisers are sometimes held at palaces, which can increase the donations raised at the event.

From mental health to parenthood, Kate has aligned with a number of causes that hold great meaning for her.

Click through to find out which causes are close to the duchess's heart and the special ways Britain's future queen is making a difference...

<p><strong>Charity:</strong> Royal Photographic Society
<p><strong>Mission:</strong> Kate is a known lover of photography and is often the mastermind behind the lens of some of her children's most memorable photos. So it's no surprise that after 67 years of patronage, the Queen is passing the torch on to the duchess. The Royal Photographic Society was founded in 1853 with the objective of promoting the art and science of photography.
<p><strong>Patron since:</strong> June 2019
<p>Photo: © Getty Images