THE Royal Forestry Society (RFS) has told of a "very special bond" it shares with King Charles after it received the royal patronage from the monarch. 

His Majesty will remain a figurehead for the organisation following a review of royal patronages in the wake of Queen Elizabeth's death in 2022. Her Majesty had been patron of the RFS for her entire reign. 

King Charles - then Prince - was president of the RFS for its centenary from 1982-1983 and becomes the sixth monarch to be its patron.

RFS president Ben Herbert said: “This patronage continues a very special bond.

"His Majesty has always retained an active interest in the work of other foresters and woodland managers.

"His support for projects sharing excellence in forestry and in increasing skills in woodland management is much valued.

"He continued to play an active part in the RFS after his presidency and initiated the Duke of Cornwall Cup. This continues to be presented annually in our Excellence in Forestry Awards for resilient, multi-purpose forestry.”

While a full list has yet to be published, it's expected His Majesty will remain patron of many of the same forestry-related organisation as the late Queen. However, it has been confirmed that he will continue his patronage of the Commonwealth Forestry Association, which he had held as Prince of Wales. 

The Duchy of Cornwall and Woodland Heritage were among the other industry groups that fell under Prince Charles' patronage. It had been presumed these would pass on to his son, William, now the Prince of Wales, but a review of patronages is ongoing at Buckingham Palace. 

Forestry Journal: The late Queen was patron of the RFS throughout her entire reign The late Queen was patron of the RFS throughout her entire reign (Image: PA)

Ben added: “Under his stewardship, The Duchy of Cornwall woodlands became among some of the best managed in the country. The Coronation Living Heritage Fund confirms his ongoing support for the part trees and woods can play in our communities.

“As an organisation we were proud to pledge our loyalty to our King on his Coronation We hope to welcome him to future RFS events.”

The RFS has had the continuous patronage of the sovereign since 1905 when King Edward VII consented to become Patron. He was followed by King George V, King Edward VIII, King George VI, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and now King Charles III.