HRH The Duchess of Gloucester
HRH The Duchess of Gloucester is a full-time working member of the Royal Family. Her Royal Highness takes great pride in the work she undertakes for her many charities and organisations, as well as duties in support of His Majesty The King.
In her role at the Cathedral Music Trust, HRH The Duchess has met staff, volunteers, and key donors to learn more about the Trust’s work and future plans. Engagements have included visits to a variety of choral groups and attendance at numerous events, such as the annual Patrons’ Evensong, where she has also provided readings.
Work with the Trust as Royal Patron
HRH The Duchess has long championed the positive impact of musical education and has had a long-standing association with the charity. She served as Patron of its Diamond Fund for Choristers campaign in 2016, helping to raise funds to ensure the unique heritage of the UK’s cathedral choirs is accessible to all young people, before becoming Royal Patron of the Cathedral Music Trust in January 2022.
The announcement of Her Royal Highness as Patron was made during a special celebratory service of Choral Evensong at St Paul’s Cathedral, held to mark the conclusion of the Diamond Fund for Choristers campaign.
Letter of Support
As Cathedral Music Trust’s Royal Patron, I have encountered firsthand the transformative impact of cathedral music. In 2026, the Trust marks its 70th Anniversary, celebrating seven decades of public benefit, cultural contribution and sustained charitable impact. Continuing its vital role as a charity across the UK and Ireland, creating pathways to learn, perform, and experience high-quality music through grant-giving, educational initiatives and support with professional development and community projects.
The impact of the charitable work extends far beyond music itself.
Connections are deepened when we sing and create music together, sharing in something greater than ourselves. The Trust nurtures this spirit of connection and it is particularly encouraging to see young people growing in confidence and given opportunities to gain experience the joy of collective music-making, with the understanding, discipline, and empathy that it inspires. In meeting staff and volunteers and attending performances, I am heartened to see how collaboration and shared experience lie at the core of the Trust’s mission.
With continued commitment from its supporters, the Trust can reach even more people who might otherwise miss the opportunity to experience the transformative power of cathedral music. I commend the dedication of all those involved over the past seven decades with Cathedral Music Trust in ensuring that this vital living tradition continues to inspire, educate, and delight.
HRH The Duchess of Gloucester, January 2026
How to support us
Our work is only made possible through the generosity of our supporters and volunteers. Each year we help tens of thousands of people to discover the joy of choral music in cathedrals, churches and local communities. Get involved and make a lasting impact on the lives of thousands of individuals involved in the UK’s vibrant choral music tradition.
