The Prince of Wales's Charities update

Published 09 March 2018

The results of an independent review of The Prince's Charities were unveiled today. The review, carried out ahead of The Prince's 70th birthday was designed to improve the operating efficiency and long term sustainability of his charities. The work, led by former Marks & Spencer CEO, Marc Bolland, with the support of the Chief Executives of The Prince's Charities, also set out to ensure that The Prince's own time with the charities, whilst not being reduced, was used to greater effect.

The changes announced today include:

An expanded Prince's Trust Group

A newly enlarged Prince's Trust Group that will include the work of The Prince's Trust alongside a new network comprising activity previously carried out by The Prince's Charities Canada, Australia and New Zealand and The Prince's Trust International. The new group will continue The Trust's work in providing meaningful help to disadvantaged and vulnerable young people and will now also provide support for indigenous groups and environmental projects.

The Prince's Foundation

A new organisation made up of The Dumfries House Trust, The Prince's Foundation for Building Community, The Prince's School for Traditional Arts and The Prince's Regeneration Trust. The new Prince's Foundation will focus on promoting the built environment, heritage, culture and education projects primarily across the UK.

A new role as Royal Founding Patron

The Prince will take on a new role of Royal Founding Patron with his remaining charities that will formalise the amount of time he spends with each one individually and as a group. The British Asian Trust, Business in the Community, Turquoise Mountain, The Prince's Teaching Institute, In Kind Direct, PRIME Cymru, The Cambridge Institute For Sustainability Leadership and The Royal Drawing School will enjoy greater clarity around where and how they will interact with The Prince allowing them to make greater use of their time with him across the year.

Speaking about the new structure The Prince of Wales said: "As I look at the results of this reorganization, I have a strong sense of optimism and anticipation for what more may be achieved. These changes do not mean I am stepping back from my charitable work or downsizing in any way - it is simply an opportunity to work more efficiently and, I hope, to even greater effect. I look forward to many more years of building on the important work that has been achieved to date."

These changes will continue to be complemented by the work of His Royal Highness's grant giving charity The Prince of Wales Charitable Foundation (PWCF). In the last ten years alone the PWCF has given more than £52m in small and medium sized grants for issues ranging from support for sustainable farming methods, flood damaged communities in rural areas of the UK to wildlife anti-poaching initiatives in Malawi and humanitarian relief.