Yesterday, we all woke to the sad news that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had passed away.

Within the RSL, we will not only mourn the loss of our Queen but also our patron of more than 70 years - her commitment to veterans was resolute.

In that spirit, RSL Victoria would like to share a message from the RCEL Grand President, General the Lord Richards of Herstmonceux GCB CBE DSO DL. It highlights Her Majesty’s enduring support for all who served with either British or wider Commonwealth Forces on behalf of our sister organisation.

We encourage you to read the statement in full, linked below, however this small excerpt demonstrates just how deeply Her Majesty cared for veterans and just how enormous this loss is to RCEL, RSL Victoria and all affiliated organisations worldwide:

“Past and present members of our Family of Nations were all greatly honoured to have received the support, influence and companionship of Her Majesty for 70 of our 101 years of existence. There is no doubt that her engagement has contributed significantly to our longevity and tens of thousands of Commonwealth veterans and their widows have been lifted out of poverty, affording some dignity in the knowledge they have not been forgotten. She will be greatly missed by all our veterans and widows in Commonwealth countries across the world.”

Read the full statement here: RCEL GRAND PRESIDENTS FAREWELL TO HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II