UPDATE: Sarah Henwood has been confirmed as the new CEO of the Royal Foundation, set to officially begin her role on February 1, 2024. Expressing her joy and anticipation, Henwood stated she feels “awe, excitement and a fresh energy” as she prepares to lead initiatives championed by Prince William and Kate Middleton.
With a background as the former President of Channel 5, Henwood will oversee key projects including the ambitious Homewards campaign aimed at eradicating homelessness, and the Centre for Early Childhood, focused on promoting healthier futures for children.
Henwood takes over from Amanda Berry, who led the Foundation since 2022 and will transition to the new role of Global Partnerships Ambassador. Henwood, who has over 30 years of experience in public service broadcasting, is eager to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Reflecting on her career, Henwood remarked, “I take up the reins of The Royal Foundation in February with awe, excitement and a fresh energy to play my part in the brilliant and important work the team are already doing.”
The new CEO will inherit a portfolio of projects that resonate deeply with the royal couple, from tackling the illegal wildlife trade to community impact initiatives. In her statement, Henwood encouraged royal watchers to stay tuned for updates on these initiatives via her LinkedIn, positioning herself as a proactive advocate for the Foundation’s mission.
In an official statement from last September, Prince William and Kate expressed their enthusiasm for Henwood’s appointment, stating, “We are looking forward to welcoming Sarah to The Royal Foundation and to working with her on some of the issues which are closest to our hearts.” They also acknowledged Amanda Berry’s exceptional leadership during her tenure.
As the Prince and Princess of Wales embrace this new chapter, they recently welcomed another addition to their team, Liza Ravenscroft, a crisis management expert, to assist with daily press interactions at Kensington Palace. While speculation arose regarding potential PR challenges linked to Prince Harry or Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, palace officials clarified that Ravenscroft’s role is non-crisis-based.
This transition marks a significant moment for the royal couple as they continue to evolve their public presence and initiatives. Henwood’s leadership at the Royal Foundation is poised to bring fresh perspectives and renewed energy to the couple’s charitable endeavors.
As she aptly put it, “Next episode starts in one week…” Stay tuned for more updates on the Royal Foundation’s impactful projects as Henwood steps into her new role.
