The Royal British Legion is extremely proud and honoured that His Majesty King Charles III has been confirmed as the charity’s new patron.
The charity has held Royal patronage since it was founded in 1921 and The King will be the fourth monarch to serve as patron of the RBL following his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, and George VI and Edward VIII before her.
The King has his own record of service with the British Military and comes from a family who have all served, leading to a close affinity with the Armed Forces community and the aims of the RBL. King Charles first joined the Armed Forces in 1971 to complete an advanced flying course with the RAF before joining the Navy. He subsequently served in a number of ranks and holds honorary titles across the Royal Navy, Army, and RAF. Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles became Commander in Chief of the British Armed Forces and now leads the nation in Remembrance at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday.
The King has been a long-standing supporter of the RBL’s work, attending the Royal British Legion’s Festival of Remembrance for the first time just days before his 20th birthday in 1968, joining the charity’s membership as an Honorary Serving Member in May 1976 whilst serving in the Royal Navy, and frequently undertaking engagements with the charity as The Prince of Wales.
The Legion is incredibly thankful for The King’s ongoing support as our new Patron.