Website: https://www.henryvanstraubenzeemf.org.uk/index.htm
UK Charity #: 1121376
Patrons:
- Prince William (2009-2023)
- Prince Harry (2009-2023)
Years of Operation: 2008-2024
Description
The Henry Van Straubenzee Memorial Fund was a UK Charity that worked to fight poverty in Uganda thought education and building schools. The Charity was founded in memory of the Henry Van Straubenzee, who died in a car accident in 2002 at the age of 18. Henry had been on a gap year when he was killed and had planed to spend part of the year teaching in Uganda.
The charity was incorporated in October 2007, and officially launched a few months later in January 2008. The charity assisted 51 schools during it 17 years of operation. In 2023, the charity decided to wind down operation.
The charity stated it was not having financial difficulties, but was closing due as the age of the “key trustees of the charity.” Henry’s parents, the driving force behind the charity, were turning 70 years old and unable to continue.
The charity ceased operations at the end of 2024 and was formally disolved in 2026.
Royal Patronage
Prince William and Prince Harry served as Joint Patrons of the charity. They were both friends of Henry Van Straubenzee.
The charity held an annual Christmas Carole Service as it’s main fundraising event of the year. This was attended most years by one of the patrons. The charity was also a frequent beneficiary of charity Polo Matches. The 2019 King Power Charity Polo Day, which both prince’s participated in, raised £70,000 (1/4 of the fund’s total donations for the year).
