The Royal British Legion is honoured to have had Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as our Patron.
While having royal patronage from its founding in 1921, the Legion received its "Royal" appellation in 1971 on its golden anniversary.
Our National President is Vice Admiral Sir Clive Johnstone KBE CB, appointed in May 2023.
As National President, Vice Admiral Sir Clive Johnstone KBE CB will represent the Royal British Legion at key ceremonial events including the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph and RBL's Festival of Remembrance.
Her Royal Highness Princess Anne is President of the Women's Section of the Royal British Legion.
Our aims for 2023 and beyond
Thank you
The Board exercises responsibility for the overall strategic direction, governance and management of RBL.
The Royal British Legion is governed by a Board of Trustees. Elections and appointments are staggered over a three year cycle to allow an intake of new Trustees every year.
The Board delegates responsibility for the day-to-day running of RBL through the Director General to the Executive Board.
The RBL Board of Trustees
Board of Trustees
National President |
Vice Admiral Sir Clive Johnstone KBE CB |
National Chair |
Jason Coward |
National Vice Chair |
Lynda Atkins |
Elected Trustees |
John Boisson |
Phil Davies |
James Lambert |
Paul Harris |
Steven Lee |
Anny Reid OBE |
Heather Spence |
Helen Owen |
Appointed Trustees |
Paul Astruc |
Elizabeth Butler FCA |
Monica Risam |
Debbie Sorkin |
Patsy Wilkinson |
Chairman of Women’s Section |
Heather Spence |
Executive Board
Director General |
Charles Byrne |
Executive Director: Services |
Antony Baines |
Executive Director: Marketing, Fundraising, and Remembrance |
Gary Ryan |
Executive Director: People and Organisational Development |
Karen Gill |
Executive Director: Membership |
Janet Talman |

Royal British Legion Announces New Director General
Previous annual reports