Page 569 - Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Coverage Book 2023-24

largest cultural organisations in Liverpool, we strive to enhance and transform lives through
music."

Professor LINDA MERRICK CBE, Principal of the Royal Northern College of Music, where the
late Queen served as Patron for over 50 years, said she was "proud and privileged" that King
Charles had decided to take up the role.

King Charles also takes up his late mother's patronages of the Royal Ballet and Royal
Shakespeare Company. The RSC said that in accepting the role of Patron for the company, King
Charles "acknowledges his deep and long-held passion for Shakespeare."

Royal Ballet Director KEVIN O'HARE said the organisation was "thrilled" and that his regular
visits have been "a great honour for the company". He continued, "Her Late Majesty Queen
Elizabeth II was a deeply committed patron of The Royal Ballet, and we're delighted that His
Majesty the King will continue this support.”

Elizabeth II was also Patron of Royal Acadamy of Dance (RAD) from 1953 where Queen Camilla
has been Vice-Patron since 2020. TIM ARTHUR, RAD's Chief Executive, said he was "truly
delighted" Queen Camilla is continuing the patronship, adding that she had been "so supportive
of our organisation, championing our programmes including Silver Swans, which is designed to
encourage older people to dance."

DARCEY BUSSELL, President of the RAD, called the news "just wonderful". She continued: "HM
Queen Camilla has been such an engaged supporter of the RAD for many years. Her patronage
will make such a difference to the members of the RAD, and she will help encourage all
generations to benefit from the many attributes of dance.”

Queen Camilla also takes on Queen Elizabeth II's patronage of the Royal Literary Fund (RLF),
which delivers financial support for writers as well as education and outreach programmes
across the UK.

EDWARD KEMP, Chief Executive of Royal Literary Fund, said: “The RLF is delighted that Her
Majesty will be our new Royal Patron. With her well-known love for literature and passion for
literacy, we very much look forward to engaging her in our vital work helping writers and
readers.”

The King's patronages have increased from 441 to 669, while the Queen has an additional 15
and now heads 115 organisations.

Arts People
Published: 10-05-2024