SUPPORT OUR JOURNALISM: Please consider donating to keep our website running and free for all - thank you!

Prince PhilipThe Yorks

Prince Andrew takes over title from Prince Philip

After 41 years have passed, The Duke of Edinburgh is passing his title on as Grand President of The Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League to Prince Andrew. In 1974, Prince Philip took over from Lord Mountbatten and has served ever since.

Photo Credti: The Duke of York @thedukeofyork

Photo Credti: The Duke of York @thedukeofyork

Prince Philip handed over the “Kabonga” to Prince Andrew as he takes up the role of Grand President and Keeper of the Kabonga.

A Kabonga is an implement, which is used to keep order in the League’s meetings.

The Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League helps ex-Service men and Women who once served The Crown and now are in need. In a network of ex-Service Organisations across the Commonwealth, benevolence monies are given to beneficiaries.

Started in 1921 by two Field Marshalls, Earl Haig and General Smuts, it was similar to charities being started in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. The goal was to provide services of a meal a day to ex-service personnel, their widow or dependants.

Both Prince Philip and Prince Andrew have served in the Royal Navy.

In 2002, the British Empire Services League dropped the word “British” and in 2003 it was changed to its current title by order of Queen Elizabeth II, who is also Patron of the charity.

The league works with 57 ex-service organizations from 47 Commonwealth and former Commonwealth countries helping to meet charitable objectives.

Surplus eyeglasses, medical equipment and clothing are also collected and shipped to those in need as well as emergency funds in the wake of natural disaster.

Unfortunately, the need of help is so dire that, in some parts of the World, the League is unable to provide more than 20 meals a month, compared to their goal of a meal a day.

For more information on how you can help, please visit The Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League’s website.

Photo Credit: The Duke of York 2015

1 Comment

Comments are closed.