The College’s Patron, HRH The Prince of Wales, will become our President from July this year.
Only a few other organisations share this honour.
The College’s longest standing President, Lord Rowe-Beddoe, made the announcement last night at the College’s annual President’s Dinner.
“As Patron, His Royal Highness has always taken an active and passionate interest in the progress of the College and its students and we are absolutely delighted that the relationship is deepening and will continue to grow,” said Chair of the College’s Board of Directors, John Derrick.
Although he’ll be stepping down after his 15 years as President, Lord Rowe-Beddoe will continue his relationship with the College in the newly created role of Chair Laureate.
Principal, Professor Helena Gaunt, paid tribute, saying “Lord Rowe-Beddoe has been a visionary supporter of the College’s advancement over many years, and his support for our students is immeasurable.”
His Royal Highness became the College’s Patron in 1999. As an active Patron and supporter of the College, the Prince of Wales has hosted several Galas in the College’s name at Buckingham Palace.
He also celebrated the final event of his own 70th birthday celebrations at the College in December last year.
Students from the College, including its Junior Conservatoire, perform regularly for His Royal Highness and his guests at Llwynywermod, his West Wales home.
The Prince of Wales is Patron of World Harp Congress 2020, which will be held at the College.
Lord Rowe-Beddoe was close friends with fellow Welshman and actor Richard Burton, and was instrumental in creating the friendship and partnership with the Burton family that enabled the College to name its new theatre after the legendary Welsh actor.
As a result of this the College was also granted permission to give its resident company of final year actors, designers and stage managers the title of the Richard Burton Company.
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