Prince William and Prince Harry became joint Patrons for The Henry van Straubenzee Memorial Fund on 8th January 2009.

At the launch, Prince William said that it was one of the easiest decisions he had ever had to make:

"Having lost someone so close, in similar circumstances, Harry and I understand how important it is to keep their memory alive. There is no finer way than that, which Alex and Claire have chosen. This is the first charity of which we have both become patron and it couldn’t have been a better one, as Henry was such a close friend of ours and because we believe so strongly in the need to alleviate poverty and assist development in African countries.”

Prince Harry said, “As some of you know, Henry was one of my greatest friends and his death was truly shocking to many people. Henry would be so proud of his family and what they are doing in Uganda in his name. The way they are carrying on his memory is remarkable.”