The Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF) is “delighted” to announce His Majesty King Charles III as its new Patron.
The king, who has a “longstanding interest” in British farming and a “passion” for the environment, succeeds the late Queen Elizabeth II in his patronage.
It follows a review of more than 1,000 royal patronages since the king ascended to the throne in 2022, bringing the total number he holds to 669.
Chair of the RABDF, Robert Craig said that King Charles III becoming the patronage of its charity means “so much”.
Craig added that “his late mother was our patron for many years and we are delighted that the monarch is carrying on in that role”.
The RABDF has a “long-established relationship” with the Royal Family, providing vital publicity and recognition for the work of the association and the dairy industry.
The Royal Family has supported many dairy awards organised by the RABDF, including the Princess Royal Award, Royal Dairy Innovation Award and the former Prince Philip Award, which recognises excellence within the industry.
King Charles III
Meanwhile, King Charles III has been announced as the patron of the Royal Highland Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS).
Queen Elizabeth II was a patron of the Scottish agricultural society for 70 years, with the RHASS saying she was “invaluable” to communities across Scotland, the UK and the Commonwealth.
Commenting on the announcement of King Charles III’s patronage, chief executive of the RHASS, Alan Laidlaw said:
“We are honoured and humbled that King Charles III is to continue the Royal Family’s long-standing tradition of supporting Scotland’s agricultural and rural communities through the work of the society.”
The Royal Highland Show, which is run by the RHASS, also has a long history with the Royal Family and members attending the show.
The king’s patronage comes as the society celebrates its 240th anniversary year.
