September 15, 2022

As we continue to mourn the loss of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, our Chief Executive and Chair of Trustees took a moment to look back on their experiences of her patronage and presence.

David Allen, Chief Executive, reflected on how her support could make a huge difference for the VCFSE sector, with her direct work – not only as patron, but through supporting or endorsing initiatives, championing the public duty to help and serve, and being a force for good – bringing huge benefit.

Although David never met her personally, he recalled her hosting a “dinner” in support of RNIB when he was there – which generated £1m+ in a single night!

She also visited the Royal College of Physicians when he was CEO at the Faculty of Public Health, causing a clamouring for the “golden pass” amongst the FPH board to attend.

David said: “I can recall some pretty vivid details of meeting other major and minor Royals – and whilst it is easy to be cynical about the value of the royal family, their presence is a significant draw and therefore brings benefit to charities”.

Chair of Trustees, Mike Taylor, had the honour of meeting Her Majesty on three occasions in the ‘90s; hosting her to lunch when she opened a TA Centre, helping to host her at a reception and dinner for her in the RA Mess at Woolwich, and receiving his CBE from her in 1992.

He recalled that: “On each occasion I had a brief conversation with her – she was extremely well informed, showed an interest in what was said and left us all appreciating the way she fulfilled her role and slightly overwhelmed by the experience!”