King Charles to become MCC patron, Lord's expansion approved

Plans at Lord's for a £61.8million redevelopment of the Allen and Tavern Stands have been approved after being voted through by MCC members last week

The Cricketer | 09/05/2024 at 15:33

King Charles III has become patron of the MCC.

Lord's received a letter from Buckingham Palace earlier this week, marking the first anniversary of the coronation.

The King has been an MCC member since 1975, the year of his presidency of the Lord's Taverners.

The late Queen was MCC patron for 70 years, succeeding George VI in the role and her grandfather, George V. Charles, then Prince of Wales, was made an honorary life member in 2014.

"The club's strong bonds with the Royal Family are a source of immense pride, and we are thrilled to be able to share the news that His Majesty The King is to become patron of MCC," said Guy Lavender, MCC chief executive and secretary.

"Cricket is one of Britain's most enduring exports and as a club, we commit significant funds and resource to nurturing the game amongst young people both at home and abroad, ensuring our sport can thrive for generations to come."

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^{King Charles III with Marnus Labuschagne (Polly Thomas/Getty Images)}

Meanwhile, plans at Lord's for a £61.8million redevelopment of the Allen and Tavern Stands have been approved after being voted through by MCC members last week.

The move will see the ground capacity increased by 1,100 seats, with the Allen Stand to be entirely demolished and rebuilt with an additional tier, while a fourth tier is to be added to the existing Tavern Stand.

Construction is due to take place between the end of the current season and 2027. The work is set to cause "scheduled pauses for cricket" in 2025 and 2026.

Earlier this month, the former governor of the Bank of England, Mervyn King, was named as the next MCC president.

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