It is with great sadness that all in the RAF Club mourn the death of our Sovereign, Queen Elizabeth II, who had been our Royal Patron since her accession to the throne on 6th February 1952.
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During her long and glorious reign, Her Majesty was the embodiment of duty, with a life dedicated to the selfless service of the Nation, her Realms, and the Commonwealth, for which she was admired by millions around the World.
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As a Club we have been deeply honoured to host a number of visits by The Queen. Her Majesty most recently visited us on 17th October 2018, during our Centenary year, when she toured and formally opened the new centenary extension and unveiled the second of the Club's stained-glass windows, appropriately dedicated to Women in the service of the Royal Air Force.
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The climax of the visit was the unveiling of a portrait of Her Majesty, which was commissioned by the Club and painted by Benjamin Sullivan. This magnificent painting is now the centre-piece of the suitably re-named 'Sovereigns Room'. A second portrait of Her Majesty is proudly positioned at the South West end of the Cowdray Lounge.
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As the Nation and the World reflects in sadness, our thoughts are with His Majesty The King and all the members of the Royal Family. From all Members and staff from the Royal Air Force Club, we would like to offer our deepest and most heartfelt condolences at this difficult time.