Moorfields Eye Hospital granted royal patronage by King Charles

Moorfields Eye Hospital, the oldest eye hospital in the world, has been informed by Buckingham Palace that His Majesty King Charles III will be continuing a royal tradition by becoming its new patron after the passing of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Moorfields was once known as the Royal London Ophthalmic Hospital, named in 1837 after its then royal patron, Queen Victoria I. Its current site at City Road had its first foundation stone placed in 1897 by Edward, Prince of Wales, later King Edward VI.

Following Queen Elizabeth’s death in September 2022 and King Charles’ coronation, a review of over 1,000 royal patronages has been underway.

“I’m delighted to share that we have received news from Buckingham Palace to confirm His Majesty King Charles III will now be patron of Moorfields Eye Hospital,” said Martin Kuper, chief executive.

“King Charles is known for his passion for sustainability and our purpose of ‘working together to discover, develop and deliver excellent eye care, sustainably and at scale’ aligns well with this ethos.”

“This prestigious patronage will support us to highlight the excellent work [of our staff] to ensure our patients receive the best care possible.” Martin Kuper, chief executive