King Charles III becomes patron of MCC, Lords Ground's renovation approved

Royal England's King Charles III has been named as the patron of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). A patron is nothing but an influential figure, named as an honorary guardian, who backs an organisation in their future endeavours. The Buckingham Palace had summoned Lord’s on the occasion of the first anniversary of the coronation. For the uninitiated ones, the King has been an active MCC member since 1975, the year of his presidency of the Lord's Taverners.

Before King Charles III, the late Queen of England also served as the revered patron of the MCC. She has served as patron for a whopping 70 years. She had succeeded 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 as quoted by The Cricketer.

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"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," he added.

Lord’s Cricket Ground will see increase in seating capacity

Amidst all this, Lord’s Cricket Ground is all set for a makeover. The plan has been approved to rebuild the Allen and Tavern Stands after being voted through by MCC members. Allen Stand will be taken down and rebuilt with an added tier.

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The fourth tier will be added to the existing Tavern Stand. The development will see the ground capacity increased by 1,100 seats. The cost of the plan approved bills around £61.8million.