Wednesday 29 May 2024: St John Ambulance is proud to announce that His Majesty King Charles is ‘delighted to accept’ the duties of Royal Patron of St John Ambulance - following in the footsteps of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

The announcement, made last week, came after the Royal Household conducted a major review of more than a thousand patronages following the late Queen's death. The King’s decision is a testament to St John’s consistent work in supporting the nation since the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria, his 3 x Great-Grandmother, in 1887.

The King’s new patronage is distinct from his existing position as Sovereign Head of the Order of St John - a role which he took on when he ascended to the throne, and which provides leadership to St John organisations in 44 countries and territories across the world. Patronage of St John Ambulance does not necessarily need to be held by the Sovereign and His Majesty could have chosen to delegate it to another member of the Royal Family. His Majesty has actively chosen to align himself with the health charity and its life saving mission, which is both a touching gesture and a great honour.

King Charles III (left) and Mark Compton, Lord Prior of The Order of St John (right) in 2023

St John has responded to the Principal Private Secretary to The King and Queen, Sir Clive Alderton, conveying its thanks from the whole charity for this great privilege and how his royal support will especially be appreciated as it looks to celebrate St John Ambulance’s 150th anniversary in 2027.

The King now joins several family members – including The Princess Royal, The Duke of Gloucester and the Duchess of Edinburgh – who have supported St John’s work over many years and are regularly kept busy on its behalf. St John is blessed to have received such a resounding vote of confidence and looks forward to many years of fruitful work together.