The Princess Royal Honours 200 Years of Care with The Naval Children’s Charity
Today marked a truly uplifting moment in the long and proud history of The Naval Children’s Charity, as The Princess Royal paid a heartfelt visit to celebrate its 200th anniversary. With two centuries of dedication behind it, the charity has stood as a steadfast beacon of hope and support for generations of Naval families, offering care, guidance, and opportunities to children whose lives are deeply connected to service at sea. HRH Princess Anne became patron of the charity in March 2025, following in the footsteps of her mother, Queen Elizabeth II. This was her first visit to the organisation since becoming patron.
HRH The Princess Royal:
“This is about families of people who serve and that is a difficult relationship sometimes, but it needs to be remembered and is at the forefront of what you do. When you’re as scattered as the Naval families are, that can be a real challenge in a way that nobody else quite has…thank you for maintaining that link,”
The Princess Royal, whose own longstanding commitment to charitable work and the armed forces is well known, joined the celebration to recognise not just the charity’s milestone, but also the countless lives it has touched. Her visit shone a light on the enduring importance of community, compassion, and resilience in the face of the unique challenges Naval families often encounter. The charity’s work, from easing hardships during times of separation to providing resources for wellbeing and development, has empowered thousands of young people to grow with confidence, hope, and strength.
Over the years, the Naval Children’s Charity has evolved to meet the changing needs of Naval families, while remaining rooted in its founding mission of ensuring that no child connected to the service is left unsupported. Each year, several thousand young people benefit from its programmes, which foster growth, nurture wellbeing, and give children the tools they need to thrive both personally and academically. This remarkable 200-year journey stands as a testament to the enduring values of service, solidarity, and compassion.
The Naval Children’s Charity said:
Each year, the charity supports several thousand young people from Naval families, focussing on supporting children’s wellbeing and development. Queen Elizabeth II was patron of the charity for over 70 years becoming the charity’s patron in 1945. This is the first visit by The Princess Royal since becoming the charity’s Patron.
It was a tremendous honour to be visited by our new Patron, HRH The Princess Royal. She showed enormous interest in the work we do and was particularly delighted to meet some of young people who shared their experiences with her and talked about how they are working with us as a Youth Council. Helping us to help more children cope with the challenges that come with life in Royal Navy families.
The Princess Royal’s presence today honoured not just the charity’s historic achievements, but also its living legacy. It was a day to celebrate the young lives being shaped with love and care, to acknowledge the sacrifices of Naval families, and to look ahead with optimism to the next century of service. The visit was more than a commemoration; it was an inspiring reminder that the strength of the Naval community lies in its ability to uplift its youngest members, ensuring that they are never alone on their journey.
The Naval Children’s Charity
The Naval Children’s Charity is a beacon of hope, compassion, and unwavering support for the youngest members of the Royal Navy community. With a history stretching back over 200 years, it has stood beside children and families through times of joy, challenge, and profound change. Its mission is simple yet powerful: to ensure that children from naval families are never left behind, but instead uplifted with care, opportunities, and the resources they need to thrive.
Clare Scherer, CEO of The Naval Children’s Charity, expressed deep gratitude and enthusiasm following the Princess Royal’s visit to mark the charity’s 200th anniversary. She highlighted the significance of the Princess’s patronage, emphasising that it underscores the charity’s enduring commitment to supporting naval families. Clare’s leadership is characterized by a profound dedication to the welfare of naval children and families. Her tenure has been marked by a compassionate approach to addressing the unique challenges faced by these families, ensuring they receive the support and recognition they deserve. Under her guidance, the charity has expanded its reach and impact, providing vital services and resources to thousands of children annually. Clare’s unwavering commitment continues to inspire and drive the mission of The Naval Children’s Charity forward. Clare said:
The Princess has shown great interest, over the years, into the wellbeing of our families, and Her Royal Highness’s commitment to the Charities that she serves is outstanding.” She also remarked on the Princess’s engagement with the children, stating, “We look forward to introducing The Princess Royal to our team and our children and young people so that they can tell their stories to Her Royal Highness directly.
Every year, the charity touches thousands of young lives, providing financial aid, emotional support, educational resources, and vital wellbeing services. For children facing loss, separation, or the difficulties of service life, the Naval Children’s Charity is there with open arms, offering reassurance and stability. For those seeking inspiration and growth, it creates pathways to learn, to explore, and to discover their potential. Its work is rooted in the belief that every child deserves to feel valued, empowered, and supported, no matter the circumstances.
What makes this charity truly remarkable is the heartfelt bond it shares with the naval community. It embodies the values of service, resilience, and unity, ensuring that the children of today can become the confident, inspired leaders of tomorrow. The Naval Children’s Charity is not just an organisation—it is a family, one that has devoted itself for generations to nurturing the wellbeing and dreams of naval children, and in doing so, strengthening the very heart of the Royal Navy community.
