The Prince of Wales  will be a patron of the UK’s largest conservation charity to be launched in recent years.

Prince Charles formally launched The Royal Parks Charity, which supports and manages 5,000 acres of Royal Parks, including Richmond and Bushy parks, on his visit to Hyde Park recently.

The patron also got to learn about further projects under-away and see the charity’s £5million flagship nursery project, before sharing memories of visits to Richmond Park with his great grandmother, Queen Mary.

HRH, said: “The parks I remember as a very small child, being taken around Richmond Park with my great grandmother Queen Mary in her wonderful old, upright green Daimler.

“As a result, those parks, in particular Richmond Park, are imprinted on my childhood memory in a very special way, which is why I have always felt that children should have the opportunity to experience parks at a young age.”

Previously the parks had been managed by an agency of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, The Royal Parks Agency, with fundraising by the Royal Parks Foundation.

“Today I want to pay special tribute to all those who make these parks what they are,” added The Prince.

“All these people are so often unsung and unseen, and they do matter hugely and a huge thank you, also, to the police who help keep the show on the road.”

The DCMS and RPF decided to join forces to bring together the best of fundraising, education and park management -resulting in the new charity.

Lord Grossmann CBE, the chairman for the charity, said: “We are absolutely determined that these parks will always remain the best parks in the world for future generations.

“We are extraordinarily grateful to the Prince of Wales for becoming our first patron, and also for his tremendous knowledge and understanding of what we do, and we are thrilled, delighted and honoured that he is today launching our new charity.