A Royal Charter is a document made under seal granted by the Crown for the creation of an organisation, such as a professional institution or a charity.

Charities that are governed by a Royal Charter (Chartered charities), or who seek a Royal Charter, are regulated by both the Charity Commission and the Privy Council's Office (PCO). Depending on the Chartered charity's objects and activities, it may also be subject to the jurisdiction of other regulators. A university, for instance, will also be regulated by the Department of Business Innovation and Skills.

For most purposes, Chartered charities should follow the relevant guidance on the Commission's website or contact the Commission, in the same way as other, non-chartered, charities.

There are some instances, though, where they must approach the PCO in the first instance:

• applying for a Royal Charter (whether you are already a charity or intend to apply for registration at the same time as applying to be a Chartered charity)
• amending a Royal Charter
• dissolving or merging a Chartered charity

See also:

• Charity Commission guidance on Chartered charities
• Royal Charters (PCO website)