International Rescue Committee proud to announce HRH The Prince of Wales as first UK Patron

January 10, 2020 — 
The International Rescue Committee in the UK is today delighted to announce that His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales will be the organisation’s first patron in the UK. 

Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the International Rescue Committee is at work in over 40 countries to help people to survive, recover and gain control of their futures. 

Under the international leadership of David Miliband, the IRC today responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. The IRC’s UK office was established in1997.

His Royal Highness will bring to this role a deep commitment to IRC’s priorities, from women’s protection and empowerment to emergency response and supporting refugees through education and training.  

Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall were able to see in Berlin earlier this year how the International Rescue Committee is working with refugee women who have overcome extraordinary hardship to rebuild their lives. 

Laura Kyrke-Smith, UK Executive Director of the International Rescue Committee, said: 

“We’re delighted to have the support of His Royal Highness in our mission to improve the lives of people affected by conflict and crisis. 

“The Prince of Wales has a longstanding interest in the IRC’s work, for example the provision of education and business skills training to people who have been forced to flee their homes, so that they can build a better future."

Sir John Holmes, Chair of the UK Board of the International Rescue Committee, said: 

“The International Rescue Committee here leads vital work across Europe to raise awareness of critical issues affecting displaced people around the world as well as the important role of women and girls to shape and lead their communities. It is a great fillip to our work to have His Royal Highness’s support.” 

Notes:

The International Rescue Committee is a registered charity in the UK and HRH The Prince of Wales will be the International Rescue Committee’s exclusive patron in the UK. 

Coverage of TRH The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall visiting the International Rescue Committee’s project with refugee women in Berlin this June can be found here and photos of that visit are available from the Press Association.