Celebrating our Patron Her Majesty the Queen's Platinum Jubilee
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This bank holiday weekend, we celebrate Her Majesty The Queen's Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years of service. As the RAF Benevolent Fund's Patron since 1952, HM The Queen has supported the Fund’s work for decades.
In June 2012, Her Majesty attended the unveiling of the Fund's Bomber Command Memorial in Green Park, London. The memorial pays tribute to the 55,573 airmen who lost their lives serving in Bomber Command during the Second World War and the unveiling was attended by thousands of veterans and relatives.
Children from the Fund's Airplay youth club at RAF Lossiemouth had the exciting opportunity to meet The Queen when she visited the station along with the late Duke of Edinburgh in November 2014.
And in June 2016, RAF Benevolent Fund Ambassador Jacqui Thompson was invited to attend the Patron's Lunch on the Mall to celebrate The Queen's 90th birthday. In this blog, Jacqui explains how even heavy rain couldn't dampen the guests' spirits.
Air Vice-Marshal Chris Elliot, Controller at the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: "As our Patron, Her Majesty The Queen has always been a tireless supporter of the Fund's work. It's a privilege to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee with cherished memories of Her Majesty's commitment not only to the RAF but to all the Armed Forces.
"Later this year, we will mark this important milestone by inviting our supporters to host tea parties to raise funds to support the RAF Benevolent Fund's welfare services for the whole RAF Family – from serving personnel and veterans to their partners and children."