The Club was privileged to welcome our Royal Patron, Her Majesty The Queen to the Club on 17th October 2018 to celebrate our centenary year. During the visit, Her Majesty officially opened our new centenary extension and unveiled a series of newly-commissioned artworks. 

Alongside the Club’s President Sir David Walker and Club CEO and Secretary Miles Pooley, The Queen toured and formally opened the newly added wing, which houses a fitness suite and business centre, before she met long-serving RAF Club staff.

Following the tour, The Queen unveiled a new stained-glass window in the Club, designed to commemorate women in the Royal Air Force. The artwork, created by artist and designer Helen Whittaker highlights female roles in the RAF over its 100 years.

Finally, The Queen moved into the newly renamed Sovereigns’ Room and unveiled a portrait depicting Her Majesty earlier this year, painted by BP Portrait Award 2017 winner, Benjamin Sullivan. The portrait was commissioned to celebrate 100 years of the RAF Club. 

The RAF Club was founded in 1918 and formally opened its doors in 1922. On 12th March 1922, the Club was visited by Their Majesties King George V and Queen Mary. The Queen has been Patron of the Club since 1952 and last visited in 2012.

To view and purchase official images from the day, please visit the Gallery here.