THE Royal British Legion (RBL) are one of the most recognisable charities in the UK.
Here we take a look at what they will be doing for King Charles’ coronation procession.
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Who are the Royal British Legion?
Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) is a national charity supporting the Armed Forces to support serving members and veterans.
They are perhaps best known for the yearly Poppy Appeal and Remembrance services.
The charity was formed in May 1921 as a voice to bring together four national organisations:
- The National Association of Discharged Sailors and Soldiers
- The British National Federation of Discharged and Demobilized Sailors and Soldiers
- The Comrades of The Great War
- The Officers’ Association
The Legion support nearly 36,000 War Disablement Pension cases for war veterans and makes around 300,000 welfare and friendship visits every year, according to PeopleSafe.
It was granted a Royal Charter in May 1971 to mark its fiftieth anniversary which gives the Legion the privilege of the prefix Royal.
How can I join the Royal British Legion?
Anyone can join the RBL whether you have a connection to the Armed Forces or not.
Membership starts from only £18 a year and includes the latest news, events and stories from inside the charity.
What is a Royal British Legion’s Guard of Honour?
A guard of honour is a group of people, usually military in nature, appointed to receive or guard a head of state.
They attend state ceremonials, especially funerals.
What is a Standard Bearer in the Royal British Legion?
A Branch Standard Bearer is appointed by the Branch Committee.
They are responsible for ceremonial events as well as the training of Standard Bearers locally.
What is the Royal British Legion’s role in King Charles’ coronation procession?
The Legion is expected to take part in King Charles III’s coronation procession on May 6.
They will provide a Guard of Honour of 100 Standard Bearers to line the procession route in Parliament Square.
The charity’s participation is in keeping with its support at previous significant Royal events.
The Standard Bearers will represent the RBL and seven other associated Armed Forces charities; The Royal Naval Association, Royal Marines Association, Army Benevolent Fund, Air Forces Association, Royal Commonwealth and Ex Services League, Merchant Navy Association and SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunack said: “I am incredibly proud of our brilliant military personnel who are preparing to honour centuries of military tradition by taking to the streets, skies and seas to pay tribute to our new King and Queen and mark the Coronation next month.
“As they stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our Commonwealth friends and allies, I know the hard work of thousands of our servicemen and women during the past weeks and months will culminate in an incredible display that will amaze crowds at home and across the world.”