British Museum Seeks Princess Kate as New Royal Patron
Institution aims to refresh its image with the Princess of Wales, building on the success of the Bayeux Tapestry exhibition.
The British Museum is reportedly seeking to enlist Catherine, the Princess of Wales, as its next royal patron. Senior figures within the museum are said to view the Princess as an ideal choice to help transform the institution's image, moving it from a traditional setting to a more contemporary and fashionable cultural destination in London.
The Princess of Wales, an established patron of the arts and a keen photographer, has been the royal patron of the National Portrait Gallery since 2012. Museum insiders believe her involvement could lend a touch of glamour, particularly as the museum builds on the significant success of its recent Bayeux Tapestry exhibition.
Sources indicate that the British Museum is developing plans for two events that they hope the Princess will attend, potentially signaling a move towards a more formal patronage. "It would be the perfect partnership. They are keen to have her as patron," a well-placed source told The Mail on Sunday. "The Royal Family loves the British Museum and the British Museum loves the Royal Family."
Currently, the Duke of Gloucester, 82, has served as the museum's royal patron for 23 years. There is no indication of an immediate or abrupt change, and the museum's efforts are not intended to undermine his long-standing support.
Key figures involved in these discussions include former Chancellor George Osborne, who chairs the museum's board of trustees, and its director, Dr. Nicholas Cullinan. Dr. Cullinan, who joined the museum in 2024, has been instrumental in initiating an ambitious renovation project. His prior experience working with Catherine at the National Portrait Gallery, which she officially reopened in 2023 after a significant refurbishment overseen by Cullinan, has established a strong working relationship.
The British Museum's recent transformation efforts were highlighted by its British Museum Ball, described as "London's answer to New York's Met Gala." The event attracted notable figures such as Sir Mick Jagger, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Maya Jama, contributing to a glittering fundraiser. A dress worn by financier Rosanna Konarzewski, inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry, was a notable talking point of the evening.
"There's so much happening at the British Museum at the moment," a source commented. "It's not been without its bumps in the road behind the scenes, but it's all been really exciting. The tapestry has been a huge success and they want to keep bringing it up to date and making it glamorous. Who better than Catherine to be the glamorous female face of the British Museum one day?"
If a transition were to occur, it is expected to be managed discreetly and gradually. This approach could mirror the situation at Wimbledon, where the Duke of Kent continued as president of the All England Club while Catherine served as patron until she succeeded him in 2021.
Recently, King Charles and Queen Camilla visited the museum to view the Bayeux Tapestry alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. It is understood that the Princess of Wales is also planning a visit to the exhibition soon.