The Former Duchess of Cornwall

Patron of ShelterBox since 2007

The Former Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall were first introduced to ShelterBox in 2006. 

While on an official visit to Pakistan, they learnt about our work supporting families who had lost their homes in the Kashmiri earthquake.

The Former Duchess of Cornwall was President of ShelterBox from August 2007 to May 2021, changing to Patron from May 2021 to September 2022.

We have been proud to welcome her on a number of occasions to meet the team and to learn more about our work.

We have also been lucky enough to be invited to visit her at Clarence House, too! Have a look at some snapshots from instances where The Former Duchess of Cornwall met with ShelterBox staff, volunteers and supporters.

A royal opening


HRH The Duchess of Cornwall cutting a ShelterBox cake

We were delighted to welcome The Former Duchess of Cornwall to ShelterBox HQ in July 2017.

The Former Duchess of Cornwall took a saw to a ShelterBox cake to celebrate her 70th birthday, and to mark the opening of our new Disaster Relief Visitor Centre in Truro.

As part of the celebrations staff and volunteers gathered to sing happy birthday, and to present her with a cake in the shape of a green ShelterBox and contents including a teddy, a solar light, and tools that help families repair or replace homes damaged after disaster.

The Former Duchess of Cornwall surprised everyone by making an impromptu speech before departing. She said, ‘That’s the first time I’ve cut a cake with a saw! But it doesn’t surprise me. ShelterBox are always coming up with something new.’

I just wanted to say how wonderful all of you are who work for ShelterBox.

Explore more


Artist and celebrity supporters

Have a look at the artists that have supported our vision of ensuring that no family is left without shelter when disaster strikes.

About us

We provide emergency shelter to families who have lost their home to disaster, enabling them to rebuild their lives.