Remembering Queen Elizabeth II’s patronage with Action for Children
Action for Children was honoured to have Her Majesty The Queen as our first Royal Patron from 1967—2016
As we pay tribute to the Queen, we remember fondly her patronage of Action for Children, and her support for our children, young people and families.
In July 1967, two years shy of our 100th birthday, we had the privilege of announcing that The Queen would become Patron of Action for Children.
She had been a supporter of our charity and children’s welfare before she took on the patronage of what was then known as the National Children’s Home.
July 1967: The Queen becomes Patron of Action for Children
1985: The Queen joined us at the Royal Albert Hall for National Children’s Home Royal Gala
For almost five decades, The Queen continued to support Action for Children in her capacity as Patron. During this time, she attended some of our most high-profile events as guest of honour. Several staff members, children and families were also delighted to have met her.
We share some notable moments:
20 March 1985: The Queen joined us at the Royal Albert Hall for National Children’s Home Royal Gala night celebration of International Youth Year.
It was the first major event she attended as our Patron. The Queen was introduced to residents from Chipping Norton and was presented with a posy by eight-year-old Louise Gray.
1999: The Queen visited Durrington High School in West Sussex
1999: The Queen visited Durrington High School in West Sussex. She took the time to meet with staff and families.
2009: Action for Children celebrated its 140th Birthday and received a letter of congratulation from the Queen.
2010: The Queen, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, hosted a reception at Hillsborough Castle, Northern Ireland, to mark the 10th anniversary of Action for Children’s work in Northern Ireland.
It means a great deal that the Queen was the Patron of Action for Children for 50 years. [It has provided] vital publicity for the work of Action for Children, and allows its enormous achievements and contributions to society to be recognised.
Clive Williams (Former member of the NCH General Committee, now the Action for Children Board)
2016: The Queen celebrated her 90th birthday with The Patrons Lunch. Service users and supporters from Action for Children attended the 10,000-people strong street party on The Mall in St James’s Park – the first of its kind.
2016 also marked the year The Queen announced she was handing over the patronage of Action for Children to the Duchess of Cambridge.
We’re incredibly grateful for The Queen’s support of Action for Children over the years. She was a true champion of our vision for safe and happy childhoods.
We send our deepest condolences to the Royal Family and to our current patron, the Princess of Wales.
