Princess Alexandra, 89, has stepped down as Vice-Patron of the Royal Over-Seas League, reportedly due to ill health. The Royal Over-Seas League (ROSL) was founded in 1910 as the vision of one man, Sir Evelyn Wrench, to create a London home for international collaboration, culture and conversation.
@Gertsroyals wrote on X: “Princess Alexandra has stepped down as Vice-patron of the Royal Over-Seas League. (She has retired from official duties due to health and mobility.)”
As described on the Royal Over-Seas League website, royal patronage “highlights the vital work of these organisations and allows their many achievements and valuable contributions to society to be more widely recognised and promoted.”
The website also stated in November 2025: “HRH Princess Alexandra is standing down as Vice-Patron of the Royal Over-Seas League after 25 years of dedicated service. We are sincerely grateful for her long-standing commitment and engagement.”
The statement continued: “We are delighted to announce that Vice-Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence GCVO CB has graciously accepted the position of Vice-Patron, an honour for the Royal Over-Seas League. Sir Timothy’s distinguished career and commitment to public service are exemplary.”
The Royal Over-Seas League website, states: “Non-partisan and welcoming women as of right well before suffrage, ROSL was granted a Royal Charter in 1922 with the aim of upholding this spirit of international friendship and inspiring our ongoing work.
“This aspiration has shaped the organisation’s identity and purpose since it was established and remains at the heart of all we do today.”
Today, King Charles, Queen Camilla and other members of the Royal Family maintain active links with over 1,000 charities, military organisations and public service bodies across the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.
Princess Alexandra, the Honourable Lady Ogilvy, has previously experienced health challenges. The cousin of Queen Elizabeth II cancelled engagements in April 2012 due to suffering from polymyalgia rheumatica.
It’s an inflammatory condition, which often affects people over 50, caused significant discomfort, but she later continued to attend select royal events as her health allowed.