Who we are

The Royal British Legion is governed by a Board of Trustees consisting of the National Chairman, National Vice Chairman, twelve elected Trustees, six appointed Trustees and the National Chairman Women’s Section. Elections and appointments are staggered over a three year cycle to allow an intake of new Trustees every year.

The Board exercises responsibility for the overall strategic direction, governance and management of the Legion, ensuring that the charity operates within the law and within its objectives as laid down in the Royal Charter.

The Board delegates responsibility for the day-to-day running of the Legion to the Executive Group, led by the Director General, within a clearly defined decision-making and reporting structure.

Patron and National President

The Royal British Legion is honoured to have Her Majesty the Queen as its patron. While having royal patronage from its founding in 1921, the Legion received its "Royal" appellation in 1971 on its golden anniversary.

The National President of The Royal British Legion is Lieutenant General Sir John Kiszely KCB MC, appointed in early 2009.

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal is president of the Women's Section of The Royal British Legion.

Board of Trustees

Executive Group

Counties and Branches

The Legion has an extensive network of county and branch committees, managed entirely by volunteers (our members). County committees are responsible for the supervision of branches.

The primary function of branches is to administer their own welfare, undertake their own fundraising with central support for the Poppy Appeal, recruit and maintain members and manage their own finances.