The Royal Pigeon Racing Association has been around for over a century. The association’s roots go way back to 1896 when, on 28 March, a meeting of pigeon keepers was held at the White Swan in Leeds. They formed the National Homing Union.
This organization subsequently received Royal patronage and became the Royal National Homing Union. The name was later changed to the Royal Pigeon Racing Association (RPRA).
The Royal family continues to be associated with pigeon racing. The Queen’s Royal Lofts are at Sandringham; they are under the supervision of Loft Manager Carlo Napolitano.
The RPRA have about 60,000 members, an annual turnover of £1.2 million. It has offices in Cheltenham and Welshpool.
The RPRA hold an annual show in Blackpool that draws pigeon fanciers from all over the world.
