Guernsey's Guides honour their late Patron

Saturday 17 September 2022

As Patron of Girlguiding, Queen Elizabeth II has been described as embodying the spirit of what guiding is all about.

With hundreds of Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Rangers and Trefoil Guild members across the islands, Girlguiding has long had a presence in the Bailiwick.

A joint statement from Angela Salt OBE; CEO of Girlguiding, Catherine Irwin MBE, Chair of the Board of Trustees, and Amanda Medler MBE; Chief Guide, shared with Express by Bailiwick Commissioner Yvonne Le Page, recalled how Her Majesty was a Guide while her sister, Princess Margaret, joined as a Brownie.

“Her Majesty The Queen had a long association with Girlguiding throughout her life. She first joined Guides in 1937 at the age of 11, alongside her sister Princess Margaret, who joined Brownies. As a member of the 1st Buckingham Palace Guides, she took part in camping trips and earnt badges in swimming, first aid, interpreting and horse riding.

“The Queen’s extraordinary devotion to public and voluntary service began long before her reign. In 1946, as a Sea Ranger she joined the crew on a training ship at Dartmouth and performed duties such as scrubbing down the decks. The same year, she was made Chief Ranger of the British Empire.

“In 1953, the year she succeeded to the throne, Her Majesty the Queen became Girlguiding’s Patron. Over the years thousands of girls and young women across the British Isles and overseas have worked hard to achieve their Queen’s Guide Award, the highest award available in guiding. Our programme of badges and activities has changed since 1937, as the world and lives of girls have changed - but the fun, friendship and adventure that the Queen enjoyed in guiding is still enjoyed by thousands of girls and young women in guiding today.

“Throughout her life, The Queen embodied the spirit of guiding. Every day she kept her promise to do her best, live according to her beliefs, and to serve people. Her dedication and service as the longest-reigning monarch has inspired all girls and young women in guiding to serve their communities across the British Isles and beyond, a legacy our members will continue to uphold in her honour.

“We’re honoured and hugely grateful for the support and friendship she bestowed on Girlguiding as our Patron. We join the nation in mourning the loss of a truly inspirational Guide, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.”

Pictured top: The then Princess Elizabeth in 1944 as a Sea Ranger.