King Charles III has officially become The Ranger of Windsor Great Park on his 74th birthday
Gatekeepers News reports that His Majesty took the role 70 years after his father, Prince Philip,The Duke of Edinburgh was appointed to the post.
The Ranger of The Great Park offers oversight and guidance to the Deputy Ranger and his team in the day-to-day stewardship of one of the country’s oldest landed estates.
Prince Philip, appointed by Queen Elizabeth in 1952 was the longest serving Ranger – holding the role for nearly seventy years until his passing in 2021.
Philip took an active role in overseeing many developments during his office, including the reintroduction of red deer into Deer Park in 1979 and the development of The Savill Garden Visitor Centre and Virginia Water Pavilion.
The role at Windsor can trace its roots back to 1559 when Sir Henry Neville was appointed Ranger in the reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth I.
Over the last 460 years, the post of Ranger has been held by the Sovereign and other family members, including The King’s father and Grandfather, King George VI.
Paul Sedgwick, The Crown Estate’s Managing Director, Rural and Deputy Ranger of Windsor Great Park, said: “We are honoured to have His Majesty as Ranger of Windsor Great Park, continuing a long tradition of the Sovereign and members of the Royal Family holding this role.”
“Windsor has a wonderful heritage with many precious natural habitats. His Majesty’s passion and commitment to the natural world will be invaluable as we seek to become a centre of excellence for environmental best practice, preserving and enhancing the Great Park for generations to come.”
