HM THE QUEEN : 21ST APRIL 1926 – 8TH SEPTEMBER 2022
For the duration of her reign, The Boys’ Brigade was proud to have Queen Elizabeth II as its Patron.
Following in the footsteps of her father (King George VI) and grandfather (King George V) the Queen took a keen interest in the social work and service to the nation undertaken by members of the Brigade. The Queen will live long in the memories of many for her devoted service as our Patron.
Jonathan Eales, Chief Executive of The Boys’ Brigade, commented:
“We are all deeply saddened by the death of our Patron, Her Majesty The Queen. The thoughts and prayers of the entire BB family are with the Royal Family at this difficult time.”
Read more on HM The Queen and The Boys’ Brigade in our full obituary.
Please find additional guidance and support below….
Book of Condolence – Sharing Messages, Memories and Photos
As an organisation we invite you share a message, memory or a photo to reflect on HM The Queen’s legacy and to celebrate her life of service.
This is a space that creative pieces including poems, artwork etc from children and young people can also be shared, linking in with some of the activities put together to help support members.
Continuing with Events & Activities for Children & Young People
Consideration should be given to the types of events and activities that go ahead in the coming days, especially on the day of the funeral. Any decision to postpone activities should be made at a local level. In many ways we believe it would be a fitting tribute to continue activities with children and young people, in a respectful way, providing opportunities for members to reflect on the passing of our Queen and Patron.
The following should also be given consideration:
- Use of social media and other communications with members in the coming days leading up to the funeral. It may be appropriate to postpone some communications until after the funeral.
- Ensuring events and activities taking place in public places (i.e. not in meeting place or other enclosed setting) are not perceived as inappropriate or insensitive during a period of national mourning.
Decisions relating to the parading of Colours should be made at a local level, bearing in mind any applicable guidelines and protocols relating to the event.
General guidance on the use of Colours and Flags can be found in the BB Drill Book.
Government guidance on flag flying can be found at gov.uk/government/news/death-of-her-majesty-the-queen
Activities to remember HM The Queen
We would like to encourage leaders to consider including some time in programmes taking place in the coming days to reflect on the passing of HM The Queen.
We have put together a range of resources to support leaders including:
Commemorative Badge
A commemorative badge is being produced to celebrate the life and faithful service of HM Queen Elizabeth II.
We have a limited stock of badges remaining from pre-orders. These are available while stocks last.
The badge may be worn by members as one of the ‘Special Anniversary/Event’ badges on the armband (see ‘Age Group Essentials’ and ‘Managing Awards’ for more details on armband layouts). A reminder that a maximum of two ‘Special Anniversary/Event’ badges may be worn on the armband at anytime.
The badge may also be purchased by leaders and supporters as a commemorative badge.
Click here to purchase the Badge (please note the badge is not available through BB Supplies)
Prayer from our Chaplain
A prayer from our Brigade Chaplain, Rev Stewart Cutler:
God, you promise to comfort those who mourn,
so as we mourn the death of our beloved Patron, Queen Elizabeth II,
we ask that your love would surround us all.Comfort especially her family and support
King Charles III as he takes up his duties.The Queen has been a constant at the heart of the
nation and the commonwealth, sure in her faith in you,
steadfast in her duty to us.We give thanks for her service across the 70 years of
her reign and especially for her enthusiasm and
support for young people.May she rest in peace. Amen.
Supporting Young People dealing with grief & bereavement
As we come together in the coming days, many of our members will have questions and will want to have conversations about the passing of HM The Queen. It is important we make space and prepare for this. There are a range of resources to help with these discussions and to provide further support on dealing with grief and discussing difficult subjects.
Check out these resources at:
The Queen’s Badge
Members already working towards the Queen’s Badge or wishing to register to start out on their Queen’s Badge journey should continue to do so, based on the current requirements for the award. We will be discussing future changes with Buckingham Palace when it is appropriate to do so and will communicate any changes in due course.
Other Questions
There will be a range of other questions which members may have and we can assure you that these will be addressed and communicated at an appropriate time.
Patron: We will be discussing this with the Palace when it is appropriate to do so.
Media Enquiries
As the Queen is our Patron there may be some media interest, if you receive any national or local media enquiries please contact BB Headquarters for support and advice on 0300 303 4454 or support@boys-brigade.org.uk