Julia Rausing Memorial Service

A memorial service was held earlier today in memory of Julia Rausing.

Julia Rausing was one of Britain’s leading philanthropists who donated £335 million to UK charities through the Julia and Hans Rausing Trust which she co-founded with her husband, Hans Rausing.

The memorial was held at St James’s Church, Piccadilly. Over 350 guests were in attendance including representatives from The Princes Trust, Centrepoint, and The National Gallery, all of which received support from her philanthropy.

Following her death, her husband, Hans Rausing, unveiled a new trust in her name called ‘The Julia Rausing Trust’. The new Trust will see £100 million donated to UK charities and organisations by the end of 2024, of which £50 million has already been distributed.

Hans Rausing also announced today that all his future philanthropy will be made through the new ‘Julia Rausing Trust’ to honour her memory and contribution to society.

At today’s memorial service, Orlando Fraser, Chair of the Charity Commission said “Julia leaves a literally incredible philanthropic legacy, having conducted with Hans a massive campaign of giving to British charities since 2014 that places these Rausing heirs to Tetrapak on a par with the philanthropy of Carnegie or Frick in their heyday.

Julia understood the unique and hugely important role philanthropy can make to society. As John Townsend of the Prince’s Trust has said “Julia was a visionary philanthropist, displaying exceptional generosity to the communities that mattered to her most…I know she would have been enormously proud that her funding will change the prospects of thousands of young people who need her help”.

And she lived that principle by giving generously, publicly, and with pride, not only of her family’s wealth, but of her passion and expertise, which is seen in a number of ways.”