The Queen's Girlguiding journey
Not very many people know this, but Queen Elizabeth II played a major role in Girlguiding. Not only was she our Patron from 1953, she was also a Guide and a Ranger.
Queen Elizabeth joined Guides in 1937 (at the age of 11). Her unit was called 1st Buckingham Palace Guides and was formed by a Guide leader called Miss V. M. Synge. The group included the Queen (then Princess Elizabeth), her sister Princess Margaret as well as 14 of their cousins and friends. They created and did everything a normal guiding group did – from campfires and scavenger hunts to learning first aid.
During WWII the unit moved to Windsor Castle and, during that time, continued to guide as well as helping with the war effort. Although the Queen did not take on a leadership role after Rangers, her relationship with the Girlguiding community continued. At her wedding, two of her bridesmaids were former Buckingham Palace Guides and the ingredients of the cake were provided by Australian Guides.
For many years, both Guiding and Sea Rangers groups have honoured her in our promise (the original line ‘to serve the Queen and my community’ has now changed to ‘King’, to honour King Charles III). We also celebrated important royal events such as jubilees and even had a badge called ‘the Queen’s Guide’.
“While the core values of guiding have remained constant, I have been delighted to watch it evolve, led by the ambitions and needs of the girls of the day.” – Queen Elizabeth II
Isabel Sheppard, Y10
Credit due to the Girlguiding website and community for the quote, information and picture of Elizabeth and Margaret saluting. https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/what-we-do/our-stories-and-news/blogs/the-queens-guiding-journey/
Queen Elizabeth joined Guides in 1937 (at the age of 11). Her unit was called 1st Buckingham Palace Guides and was formed by a Guide leader called Miss V. M. Synge. The group included the Queen (then Princess Elizabeth), her sister Princess Margaret as well as 14 of their cousins and friends. They created and did everything a normal guiding group did – from campfires and scavenger hunts to learning first aid.
During WWII the unit moved to Windsor Castle and, during that time, continued to guide as well as helping with the war effort. Although the Queen did not take on a leadership role after Rangers, her relationship with the Girlguiding community continued. At her wedding, two of her bridesmaids were former Buckingham Palace Guides and the ingredients of the cake were provided by Australian Guides.
For many years, both Guiding and Sea Rangers groups have honoured her in our promise (the original line ‘to serve the Queen and my community’ has now changed to ‘King’, to honour King Charles III). We also celebrated important royal events such as jubilees and even had a badge called ‘the Queen’s Guide’.
“While the core values of guiding have remained constant, I have been delighted to watch it evolve, led by the ambitions and needs of the girls of the day.” – Queen Elizabeth II
Isabel Sheppard, Y10
Credit due to the Girlguiding website and community for the quote, information and picture of Elizabeth and Margaret saluting. https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/what-we-do/our-stories-and-news/blogs/the-queens-guiding-journey/
