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From the Dogs Trust to Cancer Research UK, these are the charities the late Queen was patron of…
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had links with hundreds of charities, military associations, professional bodies and public service organisations. While many mourners have been paying their respects with flowers and cards, a great way to honour our late Queen is to make a donation to one of her charities.
From the Dogs Trust to Cancer Research UK, these are the charities the late Queen was patron of…
Queen Elizabeth II was a patron of the British Veterinary Association – a charity which empowers more than 18,000 vets of all ages and stages.
Speaking about the Queen, BVA President Justine Shotton, said: “The Queen helped build the UK’s international reputation for high standards of animal welfare, supported the vital work of our veterinary professionals, and improved the lives of animals both here in the UK and across the world.
“We are eternally grateful for her service and our hearts and thoughts are with her family, her friends, and the nation.”
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The Queen was also a Patron at Cancer Research UK since its formation in 2002, helping to support their pioneering work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. In one of her first acts as the charity’s Patron, the Queen opened the London Research Institute at Lincoln’s Inn Fields in 1963.
Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz, Chair of Cancer Research UK, expressed his deepest sympathies to the Queen’s family. He said: “During her remarkable reign the Queen generously supported many charities, shining a light on the work they do and making an enormous difference to millions of people up and down the country. She set an example for all of us – and leaves a lasting legacy for which we are hugely grateful.”
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A lover of dogs, Queen Elizabeth II was a patron of the Dogs Trust since 1990, helping to highlight the rescue dogs in their care. Why not make a donation today in memory of the Queen – and support pups in need.
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Her Majesty was a Patron of Friends of the Elderly for over 60 years. Helping to support people through home support, home visiting and day care centres, the charity said the Queen was “extremely important” to the charity’s residents, service users, staff and volunteers throughout her patronage.
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The Queen also supported Girlguiding, a charity offering girls and young women challenges and development opportunities. Her Majesty had a long association with Girlguiding, first joining Guides in 1937 at the age of 11. As a member of the 1st Buckingham Palace Guides, she took part in camping trips and won badges in swimming, first aid, interpreting and horse riding.
“We’re honoured and hugely grateful for the support and friendship she bestowed on Girlguiding as our Patron. We join the nation in mourning the loss of a truly inspirational Guide, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” says the charity.
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The Queen first visited Great Ormond Street Hospital in 1952 during the hospital centenary celebrations, and again in 2002 to mark its 150th birthday in the year of her Golden Jubilee. Her Majesty also became a patron for for the hospital in 1965, officially opening the first purpose-built building for the Institute of Child Health the following year.
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Mothers’ Union, also supported by the Queen, is a Christian charity helping to end violence, poverty and injustice.
“Her spirit of acceptance to change and transformation through the years and her ability to take others on the journey of change is testimony to her great strength as a leader and her faith in change that is inevitable,” says Sheran Harper, Worldwide President, Mothers’ Union.
“This outlook on life strengthened Mothers’ Union members to embrace all opportunities of change and transformation that truly reflect the worldwide nature of our movement.”
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Nacro is a social justice charity which helps vulnerable people to change their lives and to reach their full potential by addressing social exclusion, inequality of opportunity and deprivation. Since Nacro was founded over 50 years ago, the Queen has served as a faithful patron, supporting their work to help the most vulnerable in society.
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The Queen became a patron of the Norfolk Wildlife Trust in June 1952, dedicating her time and support to helping Norfolk’s people and wildlife.
“During The Queen’s 70 years of service, she was a wonderful ambassador for conservation and charity work and leaves a lasting legacy across the globe, particularly here in Norfolk, the location of her special retreat at Sandringham,” says the charity.
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Police Care UK is a charity which assists police officers who have been incapacitated in the course of duty, and their dependants. Her Majesty the Queen was a patron of the charity, with her association of the Police Dependants’ Trust going back to 1968.
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Another British charity that was supported by the Queen, the Royal Association for Deaf People promotes the welfare and interests of those with hearing impairments.
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Her Majesty became patron of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) in 1952. During her reign, it is thought she visited the RHS Chelsea Flower Show more than 50 times, always taking great pleasure in touring the beautiful gardens and plant displays.
In honour of the Queen, the RHS announced it would be closing its five gardens at Bridgewater, Wisley, Hyde Hall, Harlow Carr and Rosemoor on the day of the Queen’s funeral, as a mark of respect.
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The Queen was a patron of Step One Charity for 75 years. Providing vocational and professional employment training for people with disabilities, the charity exists to help people take control of their future and live their lives more independently.
“We are greatly saddened at the death of Step One’s Royal patron, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” Andy Stark, Interim CEO at Step One Charity, says. “Having the patronage of The Queen was a great honour and huge support for us. Her patronage always gave us a mark of quality and credibility, and we will maintain those high standards in future as a mark of respect.”
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From the age of just three, the late Queen Elizabeth II had a keen interest in horses. She was given her first horse, a Shetland pony called Peggy, by her grandfather King George V, and has been riding them ever since. It’s no surprise then, that Her Majesty was a patron at The British Horse Society. You can make a donation via the link below.
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