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HM King Charles III is Epilepsy Society's new Patron

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Nicola Swanborough

HM King Charles III is Epilepsy Society's new Patron

The Epilepsy Society is thrilled to announce that His Majesty King Charles III is to be our new Patron. The news comes as the King and Queen celebrate the first anniversary of their Coronation.

For seven decades, the charity was privileged to have the late Queen Elizabeth II as our Patron. But following her death in 2022, there has been a review of the Patronages of the late Queen, and the former Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, involving over 1,000 organisations.

We are now pleased to be able to share the news that we have received a letter from the King’s Principal Private Secretary, Sir Clive Alderton, confirming that “His Majesty would be delighted to accept the Patronage of the National Society for Epilepsy.”

Clare Pelham, Chief Executive at the charity, explained how much the news means to the charity.

“It is an absolute honour to have His Majesty The King as our Patron,” she said.  “Since its foundation, the charity has enjoyed Royal Patronage and, of course, for 70 years we were privileged to have the support of Queen Elizabeth II, as our Patron. It is a testament to the charity and to people affected by epilepsy that the King has chosen to continue to support a charity which meant much to his mother.

“The King’s grandfather, King George VI lost his brother Prince John at the age of 13. The young Prince had epilepsy and tragically died from what is believed to have been Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP -) The pain of losing a much-loved family member to SUDEP is huge for any family and no less for the Royal Family. 

“The Royal Family serve as Patrons of over 3,000 charities, helping to highlight their vital work and allowing their many achievements and valuable contributions to be widely recognised. Members of the Royal Family engage with their charities in many ways including attending events to thank staff, supporters and volunteers, meeting service users and sending special messages to mark important milestones.

“The King has faced a challenging few months with his health and as a charity that supports people with long-term health conditions, we understand how that can impact everyday life. But we very much look forward to working with the King in the coming years and know that his Patronage will help amplify the vital work that we do to transform lives through advocacy, research and care.”

Royal Patrons at the Epilepsy Society

The Epilepsy Society was founded in 1892.

1896 – 1898 HRH George Duke of York (later King George V) was invited to become President but declined on the grounds that the Society had not yet stood the test of time. However, he agreed to become the charity's first Patron. 
1898 –1910 HRH George Duke of York and Prince of Wales relinquished his title of Patron to become President.
1910 – 1936 HM King George V became Patron
1936 – 1952 HM King George VI
1952- 2022 HM Queen Elizabeth II
2024 – present HM King Charles III


Royal visits to the Epilepsy Society

1977

The Queen Mother opened the Queen Elizabeth Medical Centre at the Chalfont Centre

Queen Mother opens the Queen Elizabeth Medical Centre at the chalfont Centre in 1977
Queen Mother opens the Queen Elizabeth Medical Centre at the Chalfont Centre in 1977

1985

Her Majesty The Queen visited Epilepsy Society to open new accommodation for people with epilepsy and to learn more about the work of the charity
 

The Queen talks to Tiny Morrison who has a prize turkey on his lap
The Queen talks to 'Tiny' Morrison who has a prize turkey on his lap
The Queen meets a group of ladies who are knitting
The Queen chats with a group of ladies who are knitting
The Queen signs a book to commemorate her visit.
The Queen signs a book to commemorate her visit.

1989

The Princess of Wales visited the assessment unit at the Epilepsy Society

Princess of Wales meets staff and residents at the Chalfont Centre
Princess of Wales meets staff and residents at the Chalfont Centre


2002

The Duchess of Gloucester opened the Sir William Gowers Centre
 

The Duchess of Gloucester opens the Sir William Gowers Centre, meeting Professor john Duncan, President of the Society Earl Howe and former Chief Executive Graham Faulkner
The Duchess of Gloucester opens the Sir William Gowers Centre, meeting former Medical Director Professor John Duncan, former President of the Society Earl Howe and former Chief Executive Graham Faulkner
The Duchess of Gloucester unveils a commemorative plaque.
The Duchess of Gloucester unveils a commemorative plaque at the Sir william Gowers Unit.

2004

Countess of Wessex (now Duchess of Edinburgh) opened our 3T MRI scanner
 

Countess of Wessex (now Duchess of Edinburgh visits the 3T MRI scanner and looks at some of the scans
The countess of Wessex (now duchess of Edinburgh) learns how imaging from our 3T MRI scanner is helping in the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy.
Countess of Wessex (now the Duchess of Edinburgh) meets, from left to right, Professor Matthias Koepp, Professor Sanjay Sisodiya and Professor Ley Sander , now Medical Diector at the Society
Countess of Wessex (now the Duchess of Edinburgh) meets, from left to right, Professor Matthias Koepp, Professor Sanjay Sisodiya and Professor Ley Sander , now Medical Diector at the Society

2010

Princess Royal opened Queen Elizabeth House
 

Princess Anne meets President of the Society countess Howe at the opening of Queen Elizabeth House.
The Princess Royal meets Countess Howe, President of the Epilepsy Society, at the opening of Queen Elizabeth House.
Princess Anne meeting residents and staff in Queen Elizabeth House.
The Princess Royal meets residents and staff at Queen Elizabeth House.

2016

Staff, volunteers and people affected by epilepsy joined the Patron's Lunch in the Mall, London, to celebrate The Queen's 90th birthday.


 

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