The head of Army chaplaincy has met Her Majesty The Queen following her appointment as Patron Royal Army Chaplains’ Department.
The Reverend Canon Michael Parker KHC CF, Chaplain General to His Majesty’s Land Forces, met Her Majesty at Buckingham Palace this week for their first introductory meeting.
The Sovereign and the Royal Family have a long-standing association with the Armed Forces and Royal Army Chaplains’ Department. When The King announced in August 2023 Her Majesty The Queen would assume the role as their Patron, following the passing of Her Late Majesty The Queen, they felt extremely honoured.
Canon Parker, who was appointed as Chaplain General in May 2022, said:
“I know I speak on behalf of all Army chaplains in welcoming the appointment of Her Majesty The Queen as Patron Royal Army Chaplains’ Department. Service of others is at the heart of the chaplain’s unique position, and I look forward to Her Majesty’s support in helping to care for those who, in turn, care for others.”
Service of others is at the heart of the chaplain’s unique position, and I look forward to Her Majesty’s support in helping to care for those who, in turn, care for others
Formed in 1796, the Army Chaplains’ Department has become synonymous with bringing comfort, care, and compassion to those caught up in war. Following the First World War, the prefix ‘Royal’ was granted by King George V in 1919.
The Late Queen’s father, King George VI, granted Bagshot Park as a chaplaincy centre in recognition of the service of chaplains during the Second World War and in 1968 The Late Queen opened the first exhibition at the Royal Army Chaplains’ Museum, Bagshot Park, near Windsor.
Since 1945, chaplains have continued to serve wherever British soldiers are sent. Caring for the Army’s people, chaplains deliver pastoral care, spiritual support and moral guidance to the whole force and their families irrespective of faith, world philosophy or status.
“Chaplains have given loyal service to soldier and Monarch alike for 227 years. Some are rewarded in their service by appointment as Honorary Chaplains to the King, but all will cherish the King’s commission as chaplain to His Majesty’s Land Forces."
“‘Caring for the Army’s people’ is the latest expression of this service and I know how much our chaplains value the support of the Royal Family in carrying out their duties,” said Canon Parker.
Caring for the Army’s people’ is the latest expression of this service and I know how much our chaplains value the support of the Royal Family in carrying out their duties