King's College London was established by royal charter in 1829 under the patronage of King George IV and the Duke of Wellington. The current Charter defines the objects, functions and powers of the University and was granted by Queen Elizabeth II on 13 May 2009. A Supplemental Charter and the current Statutes were approved by the Privy Council on 18 May 2023.  

Further information on the foundation of the University is available from King's College London Archives.