The British Council, the United Kingdom’s organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, has announced His Majesty King Charles III as its new Patron, after having served as Vice Patron from 1984 until his Accession. Previously, Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II held this position until her passing in September 2022.
As stated on the British Council webpage: ‘We’re honoured to have the opportunity to continue our work in building connections, understanding and trust between the UK and countries worldwide under his Patronage’.
The British Council, which marks its 90th anniversary in 2024, works in areas that align with many of His Majesty’s long-held interests around cultural protection and heritage, environment and education projects. Thus, His Majesty has had many engagements with the organisation over the years and has played a vital role by supporting many British Council projects in the UK and around the world.
In 1984, the day after he took on his Vice-Patron role, he celebrated it by holding a reception in Kensington Palace to celebrate the British Council’s 50th anniversary. In 1998, His Majesty also visited British Council Romania, showing his support not only to the organisation, but to its staff and the educational projects.
Soft power, the British Council, and the monarchy
At the British Council, the definition of soft power is ‘A country’s ability to make friends and influence people is through its most attractive assets, including culture, education, language and values’.
The Monarchy has been identified as one of the UK’s most valuable brands, one that encourages tourism, visits, and knowledge about the UK, and the British Council has had a long, fond and fruitful relationship with The Royal Family since the late Queen Elizabeth II was a child: when her father, King George VI, became Patron of the British Council.
The late Queen took on the role of Patron in 1952, which was the first year of Her late Majesty’s reign, with great interest and energy. Her commitment could be seen in her frequent visits to see the British Council’s work and meet its staff members and partners – in every region, over the following seven decades.
Meanwhile, during his time as Vice Patron, His Majesty King Charles III has epitomised soft power with his commitment to long-term relationship building, and now as Patron will continue to play an integral role in attracting attention to the UK and maintaining its profile on the world stage.
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