The royal patronage recognises the Museum’s unique work to transform the wellbeing and life chances of vulnerable children and young adults, through creative collaboration with artists. Drawing on our landmark history, we seek to improve the skills, confidence and joy in life of young people at society’s margins. The Princess’s patronage reflects her ongoing interest in supporting the youngest people in society through her work with the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood. The Princess has a longstanding interest in both the arts and supporting vulnerable families, and this patronage further highlights the beneficial impact that art and creativity has on emotional wellbeing.
I am passionate about improving children’s life chances and giving them opportunities, so that they can look forward to the best possible futures, fulfil their whole potential, and have the freedom to explore their creativity. I have always believed in the power of art, not only to unlock that creativity, but also to bring us joy, and to inspire, challenge and positively change our lives
The Princess of Wales has visited the Museum on several occasions during her time as our Patron. During these visits the Princess learnt more about our pioneering programmes, including our work with care-experienced young people and creative projects with young psychiatric in-patients. During all visits she has met with care-experienced young people who have taken part in our award-winning traineeship, Tracing our Tales, a programme she has followed since her first visit to the Museum in 2017 where she first heard about the positive difference it has made in the lives of those taking part.
On 25 May 2023 the Princess of Wales visited the Museum to spend time with young people who have direct experience of the care system, as well as individuals with experience of fostering and adoption, to understand their personal journeys. The visit shone a light on the experiences of those whose voices are often unheard, continuing The Princess’s wider work around our early childhood experiences, and the increased need for strong, loving and consistent relationships for children who experience adversity, trauma, or bereavement in early life. During the visit The Princess also highlighted the Museum’s critical campaign to secure its long-term future, enabling our vital work to continue.
The Foundling Museum brings its historic story of children in care to life in ways that are meaningful for young people today, by working with outstanding artists from all creative disciplines, including our Foundling Fellows. In doing so, we enable disadvantaged young people to see the world differently and to imagine new possibilities for themselves. In this way, we continue the legacy established by William Hogarth and George Frideric Handel in the 1740s, a story told through our displays.
