Queen steps down as patron of several organisations
The monarch relinquishes her role with groups including Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, the NSPCC and the Edinburgh Festival.
Tuesday 20 December 2016 13:05, UK
The Queen will step down as patron of a number of organisations at the end of her 90th birthday year.
Organisations including Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Barnardo's, the Rugby Football Union, the British Cycling Federation and the NSPCC were on a list of 25 the monarch will step down from.
The patronages will be passed on to other members of the Royal Family from 2017, Buckingham Palace said.
The Duke of Edinburgh broke formal ties with some of his patronages when he turned 90 in 2011.
In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: "Her Majesty is currently patron of more than 600 organisations and has enjoyed a close and active association with a great number of them throughout her reign.
"Her Majesty will continue to serve as patron to hundreds of charities and institutions but will now share this work with her family.
"Many of the organisations listed below already have other members of the Royal Family as vice-patrons or presidents, which will ensure a smooth transition."