From the archive

The Queen was a keen supporter of The Salvation Army throughout her reign. You can read more about her visits to Army centres and her speech at the Army’s centenary celebrations in 1965 on pages 6 and 7. The Queen also appeared in Army publications on many occasions, including this front cover of the 30 May 1953 Coronation issue of the War Cry.

The Queen talks to a resident at the opening of Hopetown in 1980

A life of service

Salvationist traces the Christian values that connected Queen Elizabeth II and The Salvation Army

‘A N inspiring example of service to others without regard to self.’ Those are not the words of a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II following her death, but the words of the Queen herself on 24 June 1965, when she attended the centenary celebrations of The Salvation Army. The event, held at the Royal Albert Hall, was emblematic of a long relationship between the Queen and the Army – one defined by mutual respect and a shared sense of service.

In her address to the international gathering, the Queen hailed the Army as ‘one of the great worldwide religious organisations’.

‘The secret of its success lay in William Booth’s complete self-dedication to the will of God and to his service,’ she said, referring to the many times that royal family members had witnessed the Movement helping people around the world. ‘The Army has … never failed to care for the bodies as well as the souls of men and women.’

Preceded by a visit to Buckingham Palace by the International Staff Band and Earlscourt (Canada) Band, the 3 July 1965 War Cry described that centenary meeting as ‘one of the greatest, warmest gatherings on record’.

It was not the Queen’s first encounter with the Army. She met First-Lieutenant Jean Stone and Second-Lieutenant Kathleen Stobart in February 1953 when their team was helping people in Belvedere, after the River Thames burst its banks and flooded the town. Later that year, General Albert Orsborn attended her Coronation and, in his personal recollections of the ceremony, described it as ‘the most significant spiritual event of the present century’.

The Queen went on to support the Movement throughout her reign. The two were united by a shared belief in both Jesus’ teachings and his practical example.

In a speech on her 21st birthday, the Queen dedicated her life to the Commonwealth, promising that ‘my whole life, whether it be long or short,