The Duchess of Cambridge has become Royal Patron of Family Action.
Her Majesty The Queen has passed the patronage to The Duchess having held the role for over 65 years. Her Majesty took the patronage over from Queen Mary in 1953. To mark her new patronage, The Duchess is visiting Peterley Manor Farm where she will join families and children supported by the Family Action taking part in Christmas activities.
The Duchess of Cambridge has spent much of the last eight years meeting charities and organisations who work every day to make our families and communities stronger. There is a powerful correlation between a parent or carer’s wellbeing and their child’s development, which is why organisations such as Family Action that provide support are instrumental to a child’s future. This new patronage aligns with Her Royal Highness’ longstanding work on the early years, and the importance of supporting children and families during this seminal period of their lives.
Family Action was founded in 1869 to help families in difficulty by giving them practical help and support. Today, Family Action continues to tackle difficult issues facing families – including financial hardship, mental health and emotional wellbeing, social isolation, parenting challenges, domestic abuse, and substance misuse.
Family Action work directly with vulnerable or disadvantaged children and families through both local and national services and support professionals and organisations through training and consultancy provision.
Her Royal Highness previously visited Family Action’s Lewisham base in January 2019 where she launched the charity’s national support line, FamilyLine. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge also visited the charity’s ‘Family Monsters Garden’ at the Chelsea Flower Show in May 2019. The Family Monsters Project, which encourages families to talk about the pressures they are facing to highlight that these ‘family monsters’ are normal and can be overcome.
Chief Executive of Family Action David Holmes CBE, who is a member of The Duchess’ Early Years steering group, said, "Family Action is honoured that The Duchess of Cambridge has become our Royal Patron. Her Royal Highness follows on from Her Majesty The Queen, who was our Royal Patron for more than 65 years. Everyone at Family Action would like to extend our thanks to Her Majesty for her steadfast support and encouragement to us over so many years.
“I have seen The Duchess’s passionate support for disadvantaged families first hand and have been impressed by her leadership in understanding and promoting the vital importance of the Early Years.
Family Action looks forward to working with The Duchess in the years to come."
