Death of our Sovereign and Patron, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Death of our Sovereign and Patron, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 

Funeral will be held in London and televised on Monday 19th September 2022

Dear all,

It is with deepest sorrow that the Royal British Legion marks the death of our Sovereign and Patron, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen has served as Patron of the Royal British Legion since 6 February 1952. We are immensely thankful for her faithful service, and we join the entire Armed Forces community in mourning her loss. Her unwavering commitment to the Armed Forces will be deeply missed and our sincere condolences are with the Royal Family at this time. 

The Queen has always maintained a close relationship with the British Armed Forces. She was herself a veteran, having served in the Second World War as a driver and mechanic with the Auxiliary Territorial Service. Upon her ascension to the throne, she became Commander-in-Chief and Head of the British Armed Forces and those of the Commonwealth Realm. She was known for her devotion to the Armed Forces and her keen interest in their affairs, serving as an inspiration to them all.

The Queen attended her first performance of the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance as 19-year-old Princess Elizabeth in 1945. As Queen, she attended every performance but for three, when she was either in childbirth with Prince Charles, on Commonwealth tour, or experiencing ill health. 

National mourning is now in effect until the end of the day of the funeral, 19 September 2022, guidelines to be issued by the Prime Minister’s office. National mourning may have implications on our activities and operating hours. We will share this information when we know more.

Union flags and any other UK national flags will be flown at half-mast from all RBL properties. Any further instructions on the flying of flags will be issued by the government and shared with Branch Officers on the Membership Administration Portal on O365 when we receive them.  Our websites and social media platforms will be updated with the sad news, and most non-essential activity will pause. Some events may be cancelled or postponed during national mourning. Most fundraising activity and any scheduled mass events will continue as planned except for the day of the funeral when all fundraising activity will stop as a mark of respect.

For more information, please read the FAQ document published on the RBL website 

with humble gratitude for her service and condolences to the Royal Family,

the RBL Switzerland Committee