His Majesty King Charles III has honoured the CSP, by announcing that he will be our new patron.
King Charles patronage of the CSP was confirmed in a letter from Buckingham Palace, in which the King’s private secretary Clive Alderton stated that he was writing to inform us that: ‘Following the thorough analysis of over one thousand organisations, I am pleased to confirm that His Majesty would be delighted to accept the Patronage of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.’
He added that it was his ‘great pleasure to share this news with you, to mark the anniversary of Their Majesties’ Coronation.’
Commenting on the announcement, CSP chief executive John Cowman said: ‘We are deeply honoured by His Majesty King Charles III's decision to become the patron of the CSP.
King Charles' patronage underscores the vital contribution that all of our staff and members make, as they strive to enhance the health and wellbeing of the public and work to ensure that patients can be provided with the vital support, rehabilitation and advice they need
‘This honour also reaffirms the enduring legacy of the physiotherapy profession and the high esteem in which both the CSP and its members are held.’
Continuing Queen Elizabeth's legacy
The King takes over from her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who was patron of the CSP from 1953 until her death in 2022.
The late Queen sent her official royal greetings to our members every year, to mark our annual general meetings, and had an enduring involvement with the Society over many decades.
In 1980, the Queen honoured the CSP by attending our diamond jubilee reception, which was held at Fishmongers’ Hall in London, and Her Majesty was also in attendance at the opening ceremony of World Confederation for Physical Therapy Congress, held in London in 1991.
In addition, over the course of her reign, each year a small delegation of CSP representatives (often including members from various professional networks, along with other members and/or staff) were invited to attend one of the Queen’s annual garden parties, which she held each summer in the gardens of Buckingham Palace.
CSP's Royal Charter
The King’s patronage of the CSP stems from the Royal recognition the CSP first received over a century ago, when King George V granted the society a Royal Charter on 11 June 1920.
The charter was granted in recognition of the society’s high education and professional standards, and its influence upon the CSP remains relevant to this day as this official document granted the CSP Council certain powers, such as the right to award chartered status, and also defined our organisation’s core aims and ways of working.
The Royal Charter also sets out the CSP’s purpose, constitution and powers to govern and, as a result, the society is governed by its Charter, statutes and bye-laws.
Additionally, the Privy Council still holds the CSP to account, in order to uphold the Charter’s principles and obligation.
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