The Charity has a historic and strong relationship with the Royal family going back over 180 years and has been honoured to have H.R.H. Prince Philip as its figurehead. Prince Philip was patron of Licensed Victuallers’ National Homes and when it merged with the Society of Licensed Victuallers in 2004 to become the Licensed Trade Charity, he maintained his association and became the Licensed Trade Charity’s patron. He recognised its volunteers for the valuable time they give to the Charity and a number of them have been privileged to attend the Buckingham Palace Garden Party.
The Licensed Trade Charity, or Society of Licensed Victuallers as it was then, was granted a Royal Charter in 1836, with King William IV becoming the first royal patron of the Licensed Victuallers’ School. The royal connection has continued ever since, with Prince Philip as patron of the Licensed Trade Charity and Her Majesty The Queen as patron of the Charity’s LVS Schools (formerly known as Licensed Victuallers School) since she ascended to the throne in 1952.
Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh visited the Licensed Victuallers School, then in Slough, in 1978 to mark the 175th anniversary of its foundation.
Licensed Trade Charity chief executive, Jim Brewster, said: “It has been a privilege to enjoy the patronage of Prince Philip for so many years, and we are all deeply saddened by this news. We look forward to continuing to deliver the highest level of help for licensed trade people in need with the support and patronage of the Royal Family.”
The flag at the Charity’s headquarters, which are based in the offices at LVS Ascot School, on London Road, Ascot, is being flown at half mast, as a mark of respect.
