Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust has announced that His Majesty The King has confirmed his Patronage of the award winning charity, continuing the role he first took up in 2006 as HRH The Prince of Wales.

Charles began his association with Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust on a visit to open the new Royal Dockyard Library in 2006. He then became Patron to the No.1 Smithery project in 2007 during its initial development, and his Patronage was extended to the wider work of the Trust in April 2013.

His Majesty last visited the Historic Dockyard, accompanied by the Lord-Lieutenant of Kent, The Lady Colgrain, in February 2022, to show his support for the award winning museum and heritage attraction as it prepared to reopen for the forthcoming visitor season.

The Historic Dockyard Chatham has over 100 buildings and structures, including 47 Scheduled Ancient Monuments. As a fully accredited museum, the Trust collects, preserves, researches and exhibits objects and materials connected with the history of the dockyard and its people. It studies the development of Royal Navy warship design, construction and the use of the River Medway by the Royal Navy. The Historic Dockyard Chatham presents unrivalled status as the most complete and best-preserved dockyard of the Age of Sail anywhere in the world.

Lord Lieutenant of Kent, The Lady Colgrain, Vice Patron, Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust said: “As Lord-Lieutenant of this great county, I am absolutely thrilled to learn that His Majesty The King has confirmed his commitment to the Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust by continuing in his role as Patron. His Majesty has been an enthusiastic and dedicated supporter of the work of the Trust for many years and I am delighted that His Majesty wishes to retain his connection as the Trust looks forward to the future.”

Find out more about The Historic Dockyard Chatham, here.