Prince Charles

Prince Charles

Britain's Prince Charles has become patron of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

The Prince of Wales is "delighted" with the opportunity to get involved with the charity, which helps improve the lives of people affected by the genetic disorder in the UK, as the organisation celebrates its 50th anniversary.

The royal heir is taking over the patronage from Queen Elizabeth's cousin, Princess Alexandra, who has held the position for the last 47 years.

Charles commented: "Having for so long felt deeply about the suffering of cystic fibrosis patients, I am delighted to take on patronage of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust from Princess Alexandra in this, the Trust's 50th year.

"By funding ground-breaking research, improving the quality of care and providing invaluable advice and support, the Trust carries out extraordinary work on behalf of the 10,000 people with cystic fibrosis in the United Kingdom."

The 65-year-old future king's new role will officially be announced at a special gala dinner on 8 May.

The Chairman of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust has also thanked Alexandra for her hard work improving research, care and advice for sufferers of the hereditary disorder, which most commonly affects the lungs, pancreas, liver, and intestines.

According to HELLO! magazine, George Jenkins OBE said: "We are extremely grateful to HRH Princess Alexandra for her support for the Trust over so many years.

"She has been a very important part of our organisation for most of its history, and on behalf of the whole of the cystic fibrosis community in the UK I wish to thank her for the wonderful support she has provided over this time."