Please note that where queries are not specifically related to the Royal British Legion, please visit the government website for the latest advice and information: www.gov.uk
1. What is RBL doing to commemorate the Queen?
We will open a Book of Condolence at the National Memorial Arboretum. Most towns and cities have also opened their own book.
We encourage branches and counties to liaise with their local authorities to see if they can support local initiatives to pay respects and/or commemorate the Queen.
2. Can people still get support from the RBL during the period of mourning?
Yes – all RBL welfare services will be running as normal to support our beneficiaries. If you need help or support, call us on 0808 802 8080. Lines are open from 8am-8pm every day.
3. Are RBL offices still open during the period of national mourning?
RBL offices will remain open as usual during the mourning period although some face-to-face meetings may be rescheduled, especially on the day of the funeral itself.
4. Are RBL operating hours changing during the period of national mourning?
There are no plans to change operating hours during the period of national mourning.
All RBL welfare services will be running as normal to support our beneficiaries. People who need help or support can call us on 0808 802 8080. Lines will be open from 8am-8pm every day.
5. Will Legion clubs remain open during the period of mourning?
Clubs should refer to guidance for businesses published by the government at www.gov.uk
Clubs will cancel or postpone events or activities planned to take place during the period of mourning including the day of the funeral.
6. Are RBL events going ahead during the period of mourning?
Even during this momentous time, the work of the Legion needs to continue. When we refer to events, we do not mean branch meetings and those activities that contribute to the day-to-day running of the RBL. These will continue. Events in this instance refers to formal public activities – ceremonies, attending the village fete or fundraising – when members and branches take part under the auspices of RBL.
No events will happen on the day of the funeral. Planned mass events will continue during the mourning period, except on the day of the funeral.
Whether other events organised by RBL that fall during the period of mourning are cancelled or postponed will depend on the date of the event with relation to the start of the period of national mourning. Events scheduled with less than 48 hours’ notice will go ahead with some modifications. Events scheduled with more than 48 hours’ notice will be cancelled or postponed wherever possible. If you are due to participate in these events, you will be contacted with more information.
Any RBL branch or county events and activities planned to take place during the period of national mourning will be cancelled or postponed wherever possible. No branch or county events will take place on the day of the funeral.
If they wish, during the mourning period, branch members may gather informally to remember and pray for the Queen. The National Chaplain has supplied some approved prayers – please contact your branch officers for more information.
7. Is RBL going ahead with fundraising activities during the period of mourning?
Fundraising activity will continue as planned except for the day of the funeral. On the day of the funeral, fundraising activity will cease as a mark of respect and to allow our members, our volunteers, our supporters and our staff to pay their own respects.
8. Will fundraising for the Poppy Appeal continue during the period of mourning?
We thank everyone for their continued support for the Poppy Appeal. Collection activity for the Poppy Appeal will continue as planned except for the day of the funeral. On the day of the funeral, all collection activity will cease as a mark of respect and to allow you, our members, our volunteers, our supporters and our staff to pay their own respects.
19. Will RBL be updating social media channels and websites during the period of national mourning?
Our websites and social media channels will be updated with the news, but otherwise we will be stopping all BAU updates during the period of national mourning.
10. Will the charity still be called the ‘Royal’ British Legion?
Yes, we will remain the ‘Royal British Legion’ as we were given this title on our 50th anniversary in 1971.
11. Who will be the RBL’s Patron?
The Palace will confirm RBL’s patron in due course and we will ensure this information is shared as soon as possible.
12. Will remembrance services still take place?
RBL-led remembrance services will continue except on the day of the funeral. Remembrance services scheduled to take place on the day of funeral will be rearranged.
13. Will the Festival of Remembrance go ahead as planned?
The Festival of Remembrance will be cancelled if it is scheduled to go ahead during the mourning period. Ticket holders will be contacted.
14. Will the Cenotaph March Past on Remembrance Sunday go ahead as planned?
The Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport will decide whether the Cenotaph March Past on Remembrance Sunday will go ahead as planned. We will follow their direction and will inform participants of any changes or cancellation through their Associations.