It is with deep sadness that the Royal Air Forces Association has learned of the death of Her Majesty The Queen.
The RAF Association was immensely honoured when Her Majesty followed in her father His Majesty King George VI’s footsteps to become the royal patron of the Association in 1952. Her patronage over seven decades has helped to shine a spotlight on the vital work of the Association, aiding us in our mission to provide life-changing support to members of the RAF community, enabling them to lead the lives they deserve.
An ardent supporter of our work, Her Majesty The Queen played a special role within our organisation and was unwavering in her position as advocate for those who serve, and have served, in the Royal Air Force.
Her Majesty’s commitment to our cause endured throughout her patronage. In a letter to the Association in her Platinum Jubilee year she commended the charitable works we undertake. She wrote of the enormous number of people who rely on the support of the Association each year and expressed her admiration for the significant impact the charity and our members have on the RAF community.
Having been a member of the Auxiliary Territorial Service, Her Majesty The Queen embodied the fortitude and resilience of our Second World War generation. Her sense of service to the nation and strength of character have been an inspiration to us all. We are immensely thankful for her lifetime of faithful service and we mourn her passing deeply.
In recognition of the special role Her Majesty played within our organisation, the Association has created an online book of condolence, where people can record their messages of sympathy for the Royal Family. The book can be found at condolence.rafa.org.uk.
As our patron, we will be forever grateful for the contribution Her Majesty made to the RAF Association. Our thoughts and sympathies are with the Royal Family.
