Hundreds of charities have been left in limbo without a royal patron following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Her Majesty had links as either patron or president with more than 500 charities, military associations, professional bodies and public service organizations. The royal link is considered by many to be invaluable for raising their profile and encouraging support. The late Queen was associated with charities ranging from philanthropic juggernauts like Cancer Research UK to more obscure causes, such the Anglo-Norse society and the Ayrshire Cattle Society of Great Britain and Ireland. However, other than in a few limited cases, a patronage does not pass automatically to the new King - meaning hundreds are waiting to be told whether their royal association will continue and, if so, in what form.' Some patronages may cease'Research by The Telegraph suggested that while high-profile charities have had contact from Buckingham Palace since Queen Elizabeth died on Sept 9, smaller groups have on the whole heard nothing. Action for Children and Girl guides were among the charities who confirmed this week that they were in dialogue with the palace." We're working with the palace and will announce a new patron when appropriate,” said a spokesman for Girl guides. The King is well known to favour a “slimmed down” monarchy, raising the prospect that not all his mother’s royal patronages will continue under his reign. Queen Elizabeth inherited 433 charities from her father, King George VI, and by her 90th birthday was thought to have formal links to more than 100 more. She began redistributing some in 2016 on her 90th birthday. Joe Little, a Royal family expert, said recently: “It will be up to King Charles III to decide how to distribute any patronages reallocated by his mother.“Given his alleged desire for a slimmed-down monarchy, some patronages may cease.”