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Barnardo's and royalty

Almost since the work of Barnardo's began in 1867 the charity has enjoyed Royal patronage. Kings and Queens, Princes and Princesses, Dukes and Duchesses have supported the charity and taken a close interest in the children and families we have helped. Most have been British but because of extended links with virtually every other European monarchy there have been many other Royals as well. The charity has had a Royal Patron as a figurehead since 1902 and working Royal Presidents from 1923.

Queen Mary greets Barnardo's staff
  • Four Kings, four Queens and one Princess have been Patrons of Barnardo's: Edward Vll, George V, Edward Vll1, George Vl, Queen Alexandra, Queen Mary, the late HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, HM The Queen, the late HRH Princess Margaret Countess of Snowdon.
  • HM The Queen is our current Patron.
  • The late HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother was Patron for over 60 years.
  • One Duke (Duke of York - later George Vl) and two Princesses, Margaret and Diana, have been President.
  • The late HRH Princess Margaret was President from 1948-1984.
  • The late Diana Princess of Wales, President from 1984-1996 attended over 110 events for Barnardo's, including 16 in one year and three in one week.
  • HRH The Princess Ann made one of her first official visits to Barnardo's when she visited the Village, Barkingside and had tea with a group of children.
  • Gifts from royals have included spinning wheels, signed photographs, boxes of chocolates, Christmas decorations, books, Christmas donations. They have laid foundation stones, planted trees and inspected thousands of boys and girls.
  • Royalty have helped raise many hundreds of thousands of pounds for Barnardo's.
  • Diana, Princess of Wales attended two fashion shows organised by Bruce Oldfield, an old Barnardo's boy, at which in excess of £100,000 was raised.