His Majesty The King, Patron, Visits RUSI for the First Time

His Majesty The King, Patron, at RUSI on 4 November 2025 with the Duke of Wellington

RUSI | His Majesty The King, Patron, at RUSI on 4 November 2025 with the Duke of Wellington


His Majesty The King was present as RUSI celebrated His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent’s 90th birthday and half century of service as RUSI's president.

His Majesty was able to meet some of the RUSI Research Directors and discuss their current research priorities. Read our extended photostory here.

CreditRUSI | RUSI Chair, The Duke of Wellington and Rachel Ellehuus, Director-General, welcome His Majesty The King
CreditRUSI | Dr Burcu Ozcelik, Senior Research Fellow for Middle East Security, is introduced to His Majesty The King

There was also an opportunity to view a number of historic items from RUSI’s collection, including the founding charter.

Every British monarch since King William IV has served as Patron of RUSI, which gained its Royal Charter in 1860.

CreditRUSI | His Majesty The King, Patron, visits RUSI on 4 November 2025
CreditRUSI | His Majesty The King is shown our royal charter bestowed on us by Queen Victoria in the RUSI Library

Speaking after the event, the Duke of Wellington, Chairman, said: 'RUSI is enormously honoured to have received the visit of His Majesty The King as Patron of the Institute'.

View our photostory about this event

About RUSI

RUSI – the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies – is the world's oldest and the UK's leading independent think tank dedicated to defence, security and geopolitics.

RUSI’s mission is to produce evidence-based research, publications and events on defence, security and international affairs to help build a safer UK and a more secure, equitable and stable world.

RUSI is headquartered at its historic home at 61 Whitehall but also has an office in the heart of Brussels, as well as a presence in Nairobi, Kenya.

Read more details about RUSI’s history and our royal connections.



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