As the former Prince of Wales, His Majesty had previously been our Patron since we were founded in 2012.
His Majesty has had a long interest in waterways and even rolled up his sleeves to work as a volunteer, helping to revitalise seven miles of the Montgomery Canal nearly 50 years ago.
Over the years His Majesty has officially visited the canal network several times, from a visit to the National Waterways Museum in 1988 to meeting young volunteers taking part in conservation work on Stoke on Trent’s canals in 2014. Most recently, we hosted him on the revitalised Coventry Canal in 2021.
Long dedicated to canal restoration, in 2001 His Majesty officially opened Standedge Visitor Centre following the renovation of the Standedge Tunnel. He visited the Kennet & Avon Canal in 2003 to celebrate its completed restoration, and, in 2018, represented us by opening the first phase of the restored Cotswold Canals.
David Orr, our chair, said: “We are delighted that His Majesty will retain his Patronage of the Canal & River Trust. As a passionate advocate for British heritage, nature and communities and a long-standing supporter of the nation’s waterways, His Majesty’s support will be welcomed by our supporters as we continue in our mission to Keep Canals Alive.”
