Queen Elizabeth II (1952-2022)
Her Majesty the Queen was Patron of the National Council of YMCAs for 70 years (1952 to 2022), succeeding her father, King George VI. Her Majesty had a particular interest in the challenges faced by the homeless and vulnerable young people.
King George VI (1936-1952)
King George VI graciously consented to assume the position of royal patron of the National Council of YMCAs shortly after ascending to the throne following his brother’s abdication in December 1936. His patronage remained throughout his reign.
King Edward VIII (1936)
King Edward VIII succeeded to the throne in 1936 and abdicated in the same year.
King George V (1910-1936)
King George V was the first Monarch to grant Royal Patronage to the National Council of YMCAs in 1910.
YMCA and the Royal Family
- 1894: YMCA’s Founder Sir George Williams is knighted by Queen Victoria in her Birthday Honours, YMCA’s silver jubilee year, as well as receiving the Freedom of the City of London
- 1905: following his death, Sir George Williams is commemorated by a stained-glass window in the nave of Westminster Abbey
- 1910: King George V grants Royal Patronage to YMCA
- 1936: King Edward VIII succeeds the throne and inherits Royal Patronage
- 1936: After King Edward VIII’s abdication, King George VI succeeded the throne and inherited Royal Patronage
- 1952: Queen Elizabeth II succeeds the throne and inherits Royal Patronage
- 1968: The Queen Mother opens Stockton YMCA
- 1969: The Queen Mother opens YMCA South Devon
- 1978: Prince Phillip opens Redditch YMCA
- 1982: Queen Elizabeth II marks her visit to YMCA by unveiling a plaque to commemorate the centenary of the National Council of YMCAs
- 1994: Queen Elizabeth II attends a service at Westminster Abbey to celebrate YMCA’s 150th anniversary