Duke of Wellington and General Sir Nicholas Houghton to become Trustees of RUSI

In addition to a successful business career, the Duke of Wellington has served a number of charities in various leadership roles. His Grace was the Chairman of the Governing Council of King’s College London.

The Duke of Wellington said: ‘I am honoured to have been invited to become a Trustee of the Royal United Services Institute. The original Institute was founded in 1831 by the first Duke of Wellington. I am, therefore, delighted to renew this ancient connection with such a respected institution.’

Welcoming the Duke of Wellington, RUSI Director General Dr Karin von Hippel said: ‘As RUSI turns 186 this year, we are delighted that His Grace will help us carefully curate our rich heritage and legacy, while also keeping an eye on the future. We will also benefit from  His Grace’s wealth of experience in the charitable sector.’  

The Duke of Wellington’s biography can be accessed here. 

General Sir Nicholas Houghton led a distinguished career in the UK’s armed forces, culminating as Chief of the Defence Staff from 2013 to 2016. 

Dr Karin von Hippel said: ‘General Houghton brings with him over four decades of military and government experience and expertise, which will be an enormous asset to the Institute. We are honoured to welcome him on our governing body.’

General Houghton said: ‘RUSI has acted as critical friend to our Armed Forces by providing much-needed scrutiny of defence policy and offering a national forum to discuss the future direction of defence and international security. It is a privilege now to support the Institute and help oversee its progress as a modern think-tank for the Twenty-First century.’

General Houghton’s biography can be read here.  

In addition to new Trustees, RUSI welcomes a number of experts to its new Advisory Board, such as satirist Rory Bremner and tech entrepreneur Harper Reed.  The full list is on the RUSI website.