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British RoyalsPrince & Princess of Wales

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attend launch of National Emergencies Trust

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended the launch of the National Emergencies Trust on Thursday morning at St Martin-in-the-Fields Church in London.

While there, the royal couple met with survivors of various tragedies, including the Grenfell Tower Fire and London Bridge attack.

William said, “We all know the important role that the Disasters Emergency Committee plays in channelling the British public’s extraordinary generosity to respond to disasters overseas.

“It is, therefore, only fitting that a new, national charity is able to fulfil the same function when tragedy strikes at home.”

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Borne out of the dual tragedies in 2017 – the Grenfell Tower Fire and the Manchester Arena Bombing – the National Emergencies Trust was formed as a result of the Charity Commission convening a panel to “see if there was a better way of responding to national emergencies,” per the Trust’s website.

“This has led to the creation of the National Emergencies Trust, which will collaborate with charities and other bodies to raise and distribute money and support victims at the time of a domestic disaster.”

The charity will act independently of the government and will not replicate the work they do.

In cases of domestic disaster, the Trust will immediately establish a fundraising appeal, “allowing the public to donate to one clear, independent and trusted organisation, rather than a multiplicity of brands, thereby limiting confusion.”

The Trust will also work with “local distribution partners such as community foundations and local charities to ensure financial support gets to the individuals or organisations that need it most.”

William said, “I am very pleased that the National Emergencies Trust now stands ready to provide a structured, organised response to help people right across the UK in the event of a domestic disaster.

“Many thanks to the whole team behind the Trust for all their hard work ahead of the launch.

“We all dread the day when you are needed. But I know that, like everyone else here, I am glad that you now exist.”

William’s full speech can be read here.

About author

Jess Ilse is the Assistant Editor at Royal Central. She specialises in the British, Danish, Norwegian and Swedish Royal Families and has been following royalty since Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee. Jess has provided commentary for media outlets in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Jess works in communications and her debut novel THE MAJESTIC SISTERS will publish in Fall 2024.