23/09/2026
🇬🇧 DO YOU KNOW?
📸 This vintage photograph captures two young royal sisters — Princess Elizabeth, who later became Queen Elizabeth II, and her younger sister Princess Margaret — proudly taking part in the Guiding movement.
But did you know that the future Queen of the United Kingdom was once simply a Girl Guide?
👑 Princess Elizabeth joined the Girl Guides in 1937 at the age of 11, while her seven-year-old sister, Princess Margaret, joined the Brownies. Together with cousins and friends, they became members of the 1st Buckingham Palace Guides, a special Guide unit established at Buckingham Palace.
🏕️ And they did not merely carry the title of Guides because they were members of the Royal Family. They participated in ordinary Guiding activities — including camping, campfires, first aid, hiking and other practical skills. Princess Elizabeth also earned badges in activities such as swimming, first aid, interpreting and horse riding.
During the Second World War, the unit moved to Windsor Castle, where Princess Elizabeth continued her involvement in Guiding. She became Patrol Leader of the Swallows and later, at 17, joined the Sea Rangers. In 1946, she became Chief Ranger of the British Empire.
👑 Her connection with Guiding continued long after she became Queen. In 1953, the year after she became monarch, Queen Elizabeth II became Patron of Girlguiding — a role she held until her death in 2022.
🌍 The lesson?
Scouting and Guiding are not only about wearing a uniform. They teach leadership, service, discipline, teamwork, practical skills, confidence and responsibility — values that can remain with a person throughout life.
From a young Girl Guide at Buckingham Palace to one of the world’s longest-serving monarchs, Queen Elizabeth II carried her connection with Guiding throughout her lifetime.
Now you know! 🇬🇧⚜️
What do you think young people today can learn from the fact that members of the Royal Family also participated in Scouting and Guiding?
John.k.
Diamond 40 Scout TV 📺
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