[5] In 1898, Sir Everard Hambro chaired a committee established to consider several submitted plans and proposals on devising a badly needed organisation.

[6] On 1 March 1899, the Edward, Prince of Wales chaired a meeting at Marlborough House[6] to establish a fundraising body to support voluntary hospitals and announce subsequent directives.

[4] Sixty-five districts were established based on Parliamentary constituency divisions, each with a president (grandee) who coordinated the collection of donations through middle class volunteers.

[6] The Prince stated:[6] The purpose for which the League of Mercy has been established is to promote the welfare and to further the objects of the Prince of Wales's Hospital Fund for London, and in every way, but especially by encouraging personal service on the part of large numbers of persons to further the interests and to promote the adequate maintenance of hospitals and other institutions for the relief of sickness and suffering, and especially those institutions which are supported by voluntary contributions.After being active for nearly half a century, the League ceased its work in 1947 on the creation of the National Health Service,[2] its Royal Charter subsequently surrendered.

It was awarded for at least five years distinguished and unpaid personal service to the League in support of charity hospitals, or in the relief of suffering, poverty or distress.

[5] Its role is to recognise and encourage outstanding voluntary work in the care of the sick, injured or disabled, young people who are at risk, the homeless, the elderly or the dying.

The Foundation re-established the Order of Mercy with a similar medal design, but in silver gilt and without enamel or the Prince of Wales's plumes.

Thomas Balchin, Lord Lingfield's son,[21] for his work for the Action for Rehabilitation and Neurological Injury (ARNI[22]) charity, who also serves as secretary to the Trustees of the League of Mercy, and Anthony Bailey.