King Charles III has been announced as the new patron of the The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and the RHASS (Royal Highland Agricultural Society of Scotland).
Queen Elizabeth II was a patron of RHASS for 70 years, championing her dedication to many areas of rural life from equestrianism to agriculture and livestock. The Royal Family's association with RHASS can be traced to 1787 when the society was granted its first royal charter.
The King's mother, who passed away at Balmoral in Royal Deeside in September 2022, also served as patron of the The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, from her coronation in 1952, following each reigning monarch since King William IV in 1834.
Secretary Martin Slumbers said: "Her late Majesty's 70-year patronage of the Club was an immense source of pride for its Members. We are delighted and deeply honoured to have been advised by Buckingham Palace that His Majesty, The King has accepted patronage of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews. We now look forward to His Majesty's support for the work of the Club and our commitment to the sport of golf across the world."
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One of the oldest golf clubs in the world, it acted as the sport's governing body and the organisers of The Open Championship until 2004 when a new organisation known as The R&A was spun off. It is now a private club based at the St Andrews Links, including the Old Course, with more than 2,400 members around the world.
The RHASS runs the Royal Highland Show, which has a long history with the Royal Family. It was during the 1948 show held in Inverness that the royal title was bestowed on the event by King George VI. The King's patronage comes as the society celebrates its 240th anniversary year, with a series of events planned throughout the year.
Alan Laidlaw, RHASS Chief Executive, said: "We are honoured and humbled that King Charles III is to continue the Royal Family's long-standing tradition of supporting Scotland’s agricultural and rural communities through the work of the society. In what is our two hundred and fortieth anniversary year, when we are celebrating all that has been achieved over the last two centuries, and looking ahead to supporting the future of industry, it is fitting that we have a new royal patron to support Scotland's agricultural achievements."
The King is not known to be a golfer, although he is a very enthusiastic farmer with his own organic farm at Highgrove House in Gloucestershire.
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