King follows his mother in becoming patron of RNLI

King Charles and the Queen visited the RNLI station in St Ives in July 2023

The King has become patron of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), following in the footsteps of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

The announcement, 200 years after the Poole-based lifesaving charity was founded, comes after a major review of more than 1,000 patronages conducted by the Royal Household following the late Queen's death.

Reigning monarchs have traditionally served as the figurehead for the RNLI since its formation in 1824.

King Charles has a long association with the charity, carrying out his first official engagement for it in 1964 when he was 15 years old.

The King's most recent visit took place in July 2023 when he and the Queen travelled to St Ives RNLI Lifeboat Station in Cornwall.

RNLI chief executive Mark Dowie said: "All volunteers, supporters and staff will be extremely proud that the King has honoured the RNLI with His Majesty's patronage.

"This is particularly so in the 200th anniversary year of the institution as we reflect on all that has gone before in the reigns of His Majesty's forebears, together with the RNLI's bright future as we head into our third century of lifesaving."

200 years of life saving

Next week, more than 2,500 of the charity's long-serving volunteers, staff and their families will gather at Buckingham Palace after the King gave permission for the RNLI's 200th anniversary garden party to be held at the royal residence.

An Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat will be on show as guests are joined by the Princess Royal, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence and the Duke of Kent, who is president of the RNLI.

The RNLI's crews and lifeguards have saved more than 146,000 lives since its formation and its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the coasts of the UK and Ireland.

It operates 238 lifeboat stations and around 240 lifeguard units on beaches in the UK and Channel Islands.