BAFTA chief executive to take charge at royal charity

Amanda Berry, the chief executive of BAFTA, has been appointed to lead the Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

She joins the royal charity in June after 23 years in charge of arts organisation BAFTA, which runs an annual games industry award presentation as well as its more well-known film and TV award ceremonies.

“I am very excited to be joining The Royal Foundation as it continues to step up the global ambition for The Duke and Duchess’ philanthropic work,” said Berry.

“I have witnessed, and am so impressed by, the unique impact The Royal Foundation can make on the issues Their Royal Highnesses support, from mental health to conservation, and raising awareness of the importance of early years.

“I am looking forward to working with The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, along with the Trustees and staff to continue this important work.”

BAFTA chair Krishnendu Majumdar said that Berry “leaves a very different BAFATA wo one she joined”.

“I couldn’t be happier for her that her next act will be leading The Royal Foundation and its philanthropic work and cannot imagine a more fitting organisation to benefit from her influence and commitment,” Majumdar added.

“On behalf of everyone at BAFTA I would like to thank Amanda for everything she has helped BAFTA achieve and wish her every success in her new role.”

Last year the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s Foundation was mentioned in a Charity Commission investigation into a separate Foundation set up by Prince Harry and Meghan Meghan Markle.

This investigated financial transactions related to MWX Foundation, which was set up by Harry and Meghan, including an unrestricted start up grant of £145,000 from William and Kate’s Foundation, which was formerly The Royal Foundation of both couples.

Harry and Meghan’s charity was cleared of wrongdoing but the regulator found that “decisions on spending were not adequately documented”.

Meanwhile, a report in 2020 from consultancy Giving Evidence suggested found no evidence that Royal patronages can increase income for charities.

“We could not find any evidence that Royal patrons increase a charity’s revenue,” said Giving Evidence, which also found no evidence that royal involvement increases generosity among supporters.