The Queen always maintained a close relationship with the Armed Forces, a bond which first began when she joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) in 1945. On doing so, she became the first female member of the Royal Family to serve as a full-time active member of the Armed Forces.

Her late Majesty led the nation in moments of Remembrance each year at the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph and during the Royal British Legion’s Festival of Remembrance. King Charles III now becomes Head of the Armed Forces and one of his immediate patronages is the Royal British Legion. The Coronation Service crowning King Charles III will take place on the morning of Saturday, 6th May 2023 at Westminster Abbey. All across the world, events will be taking place to mark this historic occasion.

The Royal British Legion Portugal Branch will be celebrating the Coronation at a lunch event on Wednesday 10th May. It is open to everyone – you don’t need to be a member to come along. It will take place at Restaurante Zé do Norte on the N125 near Loulé. It is a set price lunch at €20 for three courses. The main course options are mixed grilled meat with salad and chips or vegetable lasagne. Beer, wine and soft drinks are included – the restaurant has great reviews. The theme of the day is naturally Red, White and Blue with a bit of gold thrown in and there will be a prize for the best dressed – although this is totally optional. To book please contact Mary McClay at maryestoi@gmail.com


At that event, there will be a prize draw to support the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. However, what we really want to do is grow the membership. It costs around £23 a year – as well as the financial and social benefits you get for that – you are supporting such a good cause and you are part of a community. But most importantly, you will help provide support to the Armed Forces’ community and their families – they have done so much for us, it would be good to give something back. If they were needed to protect us tomorrow, they would, let’s be there for them today.

Wherever you are, please consider supporting us. Contact our Membership Secretary Stephen Bland at rblportugalmembership@gmail.com who would be delighted to hear from you.

by Jo Tarling - Media Rep. for the Portugal and Atlantic Islands Branch of The Royal British Legion