King Charles has granted consent to change the name of The Prince’s Countryside Fund to The Royal Countryside Fund.
The fund has a long history with the King as he founded it in 2010 when he was the Prince of Wales, to empower small farming businesses and rural communities.
It is the first of the charities founded by the King to be renamed.
Heather Hancock, chair of Trustees at The Royal Countryside Fund, said this is a “truly significant” moment for the charity.
“Becoming The Royal Countryside Fund confirms the importance that His Majesty continues to place upon the countryside and ensures that our support will make a difference for generations to come,” she said.
“As our longest serving heir to the throne, King Charles played a unique role as an enabler and catalyst in many areas of public life.
“In doing so, his empathy and respect for farming and the countryside have always stood out.
“People in the countryside have long valued His Majesty’s support and championing for the challenges they face, and The Prince’s Countryside Fund has given this tangible expression.
“We are incredibly proud that the King has now chosen to signal his enduring commitment to rural communities and farming families by honouring us with a change of name.”
Keith Halstead, executive director of The Royal Countryside Fund, added: “More than ever, family farms and countryside communities need our practical and grounded support to build themselves a secure and sustainable future.
“Becoming The Royal Countryside Fund gives the charity not only the royal seal of approval, but also national recognition. We are thrilled with our new name, and very proud.”
