Queen Elizabeth II – Forces Children Scotland pays tribute to longest-serving patron

We are deeply saddened to have learned of the passing of our Patron, Her Majesty, The Queen, who had ruled for longer than any other Monarch in British history and became a much loved and respected figure across the globe.

Known for her sense of duty and devotion to a life of service, she has been an important figurehead for the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth during times of significant, unprecedented change.

Her Majesty, The Queen had always seen public and voluntary service as one of the most important elements of her work who served as Royal Parton or President for over six-hundred charities, military associations, professional bodies and public service organisations. Having Her Majesty, The Queen as Royal Patron or president provided vital publicity for the work of these organisations and enabled their enormous achievements, the remarkable commitment of their staff and contributions to society to be recognised.

Having served as Patron for the past seventy years, since acceding to the throne in 1952, Her Majesty The Queen provided enduring support to Forces Children Scotland, during what proved a significant period of exciting, transformational change for our charity. Under her Patronage, Her Majesty, The Queen was delighted to lend her support towards ambitious plans to extend our service provision to meet further unique support needs of children and young people from armed forces & veteran families across Scotland.

Thanks to enduring support from our Patron, Her Majesty The Queen, we are proud to continue our well-known, traditional education and grant-giving work as well as to now deliver mental health and wellbeing, youth participation and family support services, and campaign for meaningful change for children and young people from armed forces & veteran families through policy & influencing work within the Scottish Parliament.

Laura Falconer, Chief Executive of Forces Children Scotland said:

“Forces Children Scotland would like to express our deepest condolences to the Royal Family on the passing of Her Majesty The Queen. Along with the rest of the world, we mourn the loss of an extraordinary woman. Her Majesty The Queen was the patron of our charity through what was a transformational period for both our country and our charity. Her long-standing service and devotion will not be forgotten. Our thoughts are with her family at this sad time.”

Malcolm Noble, Chairman of Forces Children Scotland said:

“Forces Children Scotland has benefited from royal patronage since 1852, Queen Victoria was our first Royal Patron. Her father, Edward Duke of Kent and Earl of Strathearn was our first Chairman and President. No Royal Patron has been more supportive than Queen Elizabeth II.

“On the occasion of our bicentenary in 2015, Her Majesty The Queen wrote a preface for our short history book, which read:

“We owe a debt of gratitude to Scots who have protected & served this country as members of our Armed Forces. The charity continues to support their sons & daughters in making the most of opportunities open throughout their education. As your Patron, I recognise that the work of the charity is as important today as it was when founded 200 years ago.”