Changes to The Wessex Youth Trust

After twenty successful years, the Wessex Youth Trust is now reverting to its previous name - The Earl and Countess of Wessex Charitable Trust - and will be managed by the Private Office of TRH The Earl and Countess of Wessex, which will in turn enable them to play a closer role in the many charities close to their hearts.

The Wessex Youth Trust was established in 1999, shortly before the wedding of HRH The Prince Edward and Miss Sophie Rhys Jones. It was designed to be a charitable vehicle to receive and distribute all the monies generated from the film and photographic royalties of the event.

After an initial five year term during which the charity met its original objective - that of supporting organisations and individuals dedicated to helping children and young people - the Trust went on to raise over £2.5 million and has donated to some 270 charities across the UK and internationally.

There will be no change to the Trust's broad charitable objectives although it will no longer invite public applications for grant funding, and will instead focus on developing sustainable relationships with a range of selected partner charities, and will expand its remit beyond supporting children and young people.

In accordance with good governance and in due course, a new Chairman and Trustees to manage the Trust will be announced.