Succeeded Lord Carrington as Patron

On 15/05/2019, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, was announced as the new patron of the Royal Fine Art Commission Trust, succeeding the late Lord Carrington, who had died in July 2018. The appointment was made public by the Trust, which focuses on promoting high standards in architecture, urban design, and public spaces across the United Kingdom. In accepting the role, Prince Andrew took on responsibilities described as a “design champion,” supporting the Trust’s mission to encourage thoughtful planning and development in the built environment. The organization works with professionals, policymakers, and communities to advocate for quality in design and the preservation of heritage within modern development. During his acceptance, Prince Andrew referenced a historical connection to the Trust’s origins, noting that its predecessor body in the 19th century had been chaired by his great-great-great-grandfather, Prince Albert. This link was highlighted as part of the continuity between royal patronage and the promotion of architectural standards in Britain. However, his tenure in the role was short-lived. After approximately six months, Prince Andrew stepped back from public duties on 20/11/2019 following widespread criticism of his BBC Newsnight interview concerning his association with Jeffrey Epstein. As a result, he relinquished the patronage along with his other official roles, ending his involvement with the Trust within the same year. #PrinceAndrew #RoyalFineArtCommission #Architecture #RoyalPatronage #UKMonarchy