SPECIAL CAUSES

The Queen and Duchess of Edinburgh are among the royals making a real difference by supporting charities close to their hearts

- REPORT: CATHERINE OLIVE

The royal family have long been known for their charity work, which remains part and parcel of their duties at home and abroad. Many of the royals support special causes that are particularly close to their hearts, with their involvement having touched the lives of people around the world.

The family have shown a caring, humanitarian side that reaches far beyond duty. The King’s Trust has helped more than a million disadvantaged young people since its inception as The Prince's Trust almost 50 years ago, while the Prince of Wales is on a mission to eradicate homelessness and find innovative ways to save the planet.

The Queen and the Duchess of Edinburgh both care deeply about women affected by sexual violence. Her Majesty lends her support to organisations, such as the UK charity SafeLives, that assist victims of rape and domestic violence, while Sophie is intent on helping women in war zones through her work with the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative.

Meanwhile, the Princess of Wales works hard to improve the futures of millions of children through the work of The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood.

The royals have also made generous personal donations to good causes. The King and Queen were among the first to donate to the Disasters Emergency Committee Middle East Humanitarian Appeal last year, and William and Kate followed in the King’s footsteps by contributing a substantial amount to relief efforts after Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica.

DOING THEIR BIT

Although they are no longer working royals, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex continue to help others through a variety of initiatives.