The Rare Breeds Survival Trust is delighted that His Majesty The King retains his patronage of RBST following the review of Royal patronages conducted by the Royal Household after His Majesty’s accession to the throne.

Then Prince of Wales, The King became Patron of RBST in 1986, at a time when many of our native livestock and equine breeds were at the bleakest point in their history. His invaluable and far-sighted support has helped enable significant expansion of RBST’s work, as well as many crucial conservation projects and farm park programmes. His Majesty’s own animals have been key to a number of RBST breeding programmes to help secure vulnerable, irreplaceable genetic bloodlines, and he has given a home to new herds that RBST has formed to save some of our very rarest breeds.

Rare Breeds Survival Trust Chief Executive Christopher Price said: “We are delighted and honoured that His Majesty The King remains Patron of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. RBST’s Trustees, staff team and members across the UK greatly value the immeasurable support he has given the Trust for almost four decades. The skill, knowledge and passion with which His Majesty champions our native livestock and equine breeds is instrumental as we work to conserve and promote these wonderful irreplaceable breeds.”