Princes found own charitable foundation

Published on Saturday 21 November 2009 20:00

PRINCE William and Prince Harry have set up their own charitable foundation with a focus on assisting the war wounded, it was announced yesterday.

The charity will give grants to needy young people, wounded servicemen and women, and for sustainable development, both at home and overseas.

A St James's Palace spokesman said the organisation received approval from the Charity Commission last month and was called the Charitable Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry.

He declined to comment on reports that the brothers have invested a six-figure sum of their personal fortune to create the foundation. He said: "It will be a grant-giving foundation, and will focus on three main areas: young people in society, veterans' affairs – the welfare of wounded servicemen and women and their families – and sustainable development."

The spokesman confirmed that Lord Janvrin, formerly Private Secretary to the Queen, would be chairman of the trustees. A Clarence House spokesman said: "The Prince of Wales is pleased that his sons are beginning to develop their own charitable lives."

The brothers' decision to devote at least a third of all money raised to helping with the welfare of members of the military, especially those returning with horrific injuries from Afghanistan, has delighted the Queen, who is the head of the Armed Forces.