We are pleased to announce that King Charles III has accepted the patronage of the Royal Astronomical Society, continuing an unbroken tradition dating back almost 200 years.
Buckingham Palace said it was "a great pleasure to share the news" to mark the first anniversary of the Coronation of His Majesty and Queen Camilla, adding that King Charles III was "delighted to accept" the role.
The reigning monarch has been a patron of the Royal Astronomical Society ever since a Royal Charter was signed by King William IV on 7 March 1831. The late Queen Elizabeth II, who died in September 2022, held the title for almost seven decades.
Prior to 1831, the Society was known as the 'Astronomical Society of London', having been founded in 1820.
Philip Diamond, executive director of the Royal Astronomical Society, said: “We are thrilled and very proud that His Majesty King Charles III has chosen to become our patron.
"It maintains an unbroken tradition of almost 200 years and ensures a continued close connection between the Society and the Royal Family.
"The patronage is also a fantastic recognition of the importance of our work to support and promote astronomy, geophysics and solar system science."