Royal Charter of Incorporation

A Royal Charter represents the gold standard of official recognition by the Crown. Fewer than 1,000 have been granted since the Norman Conquest, and in modern times they are generally reserved for universities, learned societies, professional bodies, and Livery Companies. The primary benefit of receiving a Royal Charter is the prestige and authority derived from the Sovereign’s approval. Charters are not easily granted—nor should they be—given the weight and permanence they confer.

When a body is incorporated by Royal Charter, it becomes a single legal entity, distinct from its members. This means the organisation can own and sell property, enter contracts, and sue or be sued in its own right, without its members bearing personal liability.

The following guidance was written by the Aldermen and Magistracy Sub‑Committee:

There are more than 900 Chartered Bodies. A Royal Charter incorporates a body by transforming it from a collection of individuals into a single corporate entity. Historically, Royal Charters were the only means of incorporation, though modern alternative forms—such as becoming a registered company—now exist. As a result, new Charters are granted only rarely.

Today, new Royal Charters are typically awarded only to eminent professional bodies or charities with:

• a strong and demonstrable record of achievement,
• proven financial stability, and
• a unique field of activity not already represented by another professional body.

 

---

Guidance Note: Royal Charters

Prepared by the Aldermen and Magistracy Sub‑Committee

This note is one in a series published in the Clerks’ Almanac by the Livery Committee. Each guidance note is designed to support Livery Clerks, particularly those who are new to their role or seeking advice on a specific topic. These notes are not prescriptive; each Livery Company remains free to conduct its affairs as it sees fit.

Understanding Royal Charters

More than 900 bodies currently hold Royal Charters. A Royal Charter incorporates a group of individuals into a single legal entity, granting the organisation the full legal capacity of a natural person, including the ability to own property, enter contracts, sue and be sued.

Historically, Royal Charters were the primary means of incorporation. Today, alternative options—such as registering as a company—exist, and therefore new Charters are granted only rarely. Modern grants are typically reserved for:

• Eminent professional bodies
• Charities with a strong, demonstrable track record
• Organisations that are financially sound
• Institutions representing a unique field of activity not already covered by another professional body

Professional bodies should normally have at least 75% of their corporate members qualified to first‑degree level in a relevant discipline. For both charities and professional bodies, incorporation by Royal Charter must be demonstrably in the public interest.

A Royal Charter also places a body under a degree of Government regulation. Amendments to the Charter require approval by The Sovereign in Council, and changes to by‑laws require approval from the Privy Council. The Privy Council must therefore be satisfied that this level of oversight aligns with public policy.

Applying for a Royal Charter

Applications for a Royal Charter take the form of a Petition to The Sovereign in Council. Each application is judged on its merits, but professional institutions are generally expected to meet the following criteria:

Core Criteria

(a) The body must represent a unique profession, with membership covering most of that professional field and without overlapping significantly with other institutions.
(b) Corporate members should hold at least a first degree in a relevant discipline.
(c) The organisation must be financially stable with a documented history of achievement.
(d) Incorporation should be in the public interest, recognising that a Royal Charter introduces Government oversight.
(e) The institution should typically have a substantial membership (usually 5,000+ members).

Meeting these criteria does not guarantee the grant of a Charter.

Preliminary Steps

The submission of a formal Charter application is a public process. The Privy Council Office publishes notice of a proposed Charter, offering an opportunity for external comments or counter‑petitions. Because an opposed or controversial application is unlikely to succeed—and because formal preparation can be costly—organisations are encouraged to seek informal views from related bodies in advance.

Early informal contact with the Privy Council Office (PCO) is recommended. Applicants should provide a memorandum covering:

• (a) The organisation’s history
• (b) Its role and purpose
• (c) Membership numbers, membership structure, governance, and financial position
• (d) Membership qualification requirements
• (e) Achievements to date
• (f) Educational activities (internal and external)
• (g) Links with Government and any international engagement
• (h) Evidence of pre‑eminence in its field
• (i) The case for Chartered status and why it serves the public interest, including justification for the accompanying Government oversight

If available, draft Charters and by‑laws should be emailed along with the memorandum to enquiries@pco.gov.uk.

Submitting a Formal Petition

If, after preliminary discussions, the organisation proceeds, a formal Petition must be submitted. The Petition should follow traditional wording, beginning:

“To The Queen’s Most Excellent Majesty in Council.
The Humble Petition of …
Sheweth as follows:–”

and ending:

“YOUR PETITIONERS therefore most humbly pray that Your Majesty may be graciously pleased… to grant a Charter…
And Your Petitioners will ever pray, etc.”

The Petition must include sufficient detail to enable the Privy Council to make a recommendation to The Sovereign. For first Charters, this should include:

• (a) Date of foundation and current incorporation status
• (b) Past achievements and present activities
• (c) Membership size and composition
• (d) Financial position
• (e) The case for granting a Charter

For Supplemental Charters, the reasons for proposed changes must be stated.

Where the petitioning body is already incorporated, the Petition must be submitted under its corporate seal. Unincorporated bodies must have the Petition signed by the Chair/President and responsible officers.

Petitions should be submitted to:

The Clerk of the Council
Privy Council Office
Room G/04, 1 Horse Guards Road
London SW1A 2HQ

and also emailed in Word format to enquiries@pco.gov.uk.

For first or replacement Charters, the petitioner is responsible for printing costs of formal documents and fees payable to the Crown Office for sealing.