RSPB chief executive 'honoured' that nature-enthusiast King Charles has agreed to be society's patron

                                            

King Charles - often outspoken nature and wildlife enthusiast

RSPB chief executive Beccy Speight has welcomed the decision of King Charles to be patron of the society.

Says she:  "We are honoured and delighted that the King will continue the legacy of the late Queen in her support for the RSPB.

"He is a consistent, active and inspiring champion for action on nature and climate.

"We are looking forward to the support of His Majesty in promoting the need to protect and restore both our wildlife and wild spaces."    

The King's decision follows a review of Royal patronages conducted by the Royal Household after His Majesty’s accession to the throne. 

Although not a birder, the King shares the same interest in wildlife as both his late parents, particularly Prince Philip.

In 2008, as Prince of Wales, he visited Indonesia as part of a trip arranged by the RSPB to meet people from indigenous communities and understand the issues faced by them alongside the pressures on wildlife living in one of the world’s most threatened and important rainforests. 

During his trip, he was accompanied by the RSPB’s chief executive at the time, Sir Graham Wynne.

The King will also continue as Patron of The Wildlife Trusts, a role he has held since 1977. 

The late Queen was Patron of 492 organisations at the time of her death. a total 376 are due to be retained by the King or other members of the Royal Family.

                                            

Leaf back to 2008 when Charles visited Indonesia on a trip organised by by RSPB's chief executive at the time, Sir Graham Wynne, with whom he is talking.