21ST April 1926 saw the birth of Princess Elizabeth of York, later to become the UK’s much admired Queen Elizabeth 2nd.
For many years her late majesty was connected with Girlguiding so it is fitting that we look back on her time with Girlguiding or as it was known in1926 The Girl Guide Movement.
Princess Elizabeth was the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of York, who in 1936, when Elizabeth was 10 years old, were crowned King George 6th and Queen Elizabeth.
In her younger days the Duchess of York, then lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, had been a Girl Guide Commissioner in Scotland so when she became queen and had moved into Buckingham Palace it was only fitting that her daughters Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret-Rose should join the Girl Guide Movement. After writing to Lady Olave Baden-Powell, (Chief Guide)in 1937 the queen gained permission for a Brownie Pack and Guide Company to be formed at Buckingham Palace and the 1st Buckingham Palace Guide Company and 1st Buckingham Palace Brownie Pack were registered with Girl Guide HQ
Princess Elizabeth was enrolled as a Guide and Princess Margaret Rose as a Brownie. Both girls enjoyed the fun that was to be had in their units and both undertook challenges for gaining badges.
As the years passed, Margaret-Rose moved on to Guides and the sisters enjoyed outdoor activities and camps.
Elizabeth became a Patrol Leader and later still both moved up to the Rangers.. In 1946, as a Sea Ranger Elizabeth 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 her father to the throne, Her Majesty the Queen became Girlguiding’s Patron a role she held until her death.
In the 1960s when Queen Elizabeth 2nd visited the Isle of Wight a Guard of Honour of the Island’s Queen’s Guides was formed at Carisbrooke Castle for the instillation of Lord Mountbatten as Governor of the Isle of Wight. Around 20 Queen’s Guides marched into the Castle led by Mrs. G. Twining, County Commissioner.
Over the years thousands of girls and young women across the UK and overseas have worked hard to achieve their Queen’s Guide Award, the highest award available in guiding. The 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.
In 1946 HM Queen Elizabeth, (later the Queen Mother) introduced The Queen’s Guide Award and although we now have a King, his majesty King Charles 3rd agreed that for those girls and young women who gain this award the title should remain Queen’s Guide in remembrance of his mother and grandmother.