The University, which was founded as the Royal Agricultural College in 1845 and was the first agricultural college in the English-speaking world, has had monarchs as Patrons throughout its existence.
After the death of Queen Elizabeth II, who was Patron of the institution from 1952 until her death in 2022, we were delighted when HM King Charles III accepted Patronage of the University.
Professor Peter McCaffery, Vice-Chancellor of the RAU, said: “King Charles III's generous acceptance reflects the longevity of our relationship with the royal family, our relevance to the sector we serve, and the personal interest of The King.”
His Majesty became President of the Royal Agricultural College in 1982 while he was the Prince of Wales and has visited a number of times, most recently in 2015 when he attended the University’s annual Graduation ceremony at St. John Baptist Church in Cirencester Market Place.
