The Queen has granted permission for the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes to use the title ‘Royal’ as a nod to her late husband Prince Philip, royal insiders have revealed.
The organisation was established in 1920 when the then Secretary of State for War, Winston Churchill, set up a committee to oversee organisation of the armed forces’ canteens following World War I.
Since 1920, the NAAFI has provided leisure, catering and recreational services for members of the armed forces stationed across the world.
Sources said the Queen had been minded to sanction the name change to the Royal NAAFI on advice from government after "hearts and minds were focused following the death and legacy of the Duke of Edinburgh", who passed away aged 99 last April.
Have your say on this story in the comment section
King George VI was the NAAFI’s original patron until his death in 1952 at which point Her Majesty The Queen took over the role.
The organisation also provided service onboard the Royal Yacht Britannia throughout its commission.
The Queen paid a sad final farewell to her husband of 73 years, Philip, who like the Queen Mother was a source of lifelong support, in Westminster Abbey at a packed memorial service featuring many elements denied at the duke's funeral due to Covid restrictions.
The late Duke of Edinburgh had been aware of the desire to rename the organisation, which finally got the go ahead after his death.
The title ‘Royal’ is very sparingly granted and those who receive the honour must be able to show a genuine royal connection as well as evidence of a close personal interest between members of the Royal Family and the organisation in order to qualify for the prestigious title.
Minister for the Cabinet Office, Rt Hon Michael Ellis QC MP, who threw his support behind the application, said: “The NAAFI has played a vital part in supporting our armed forces for more than 100 years, throughout a number of overseas conflicts.
“Receiving the Royal title is a truly significant honour and it clearly demonstrates how seriously this country takes NAAFI’s continued support for those who have served and continue to serve this country.”
King George VI was the NAAFI’s original patron until his death in 1952 at which point The Queen took over the role.
The organisation also provided service onboard the Royal Yacht Britannia throughout its commission.
All profits are reinvested back into the Armed Forces either through welfare contributions, investment in facilities or into the NAAFI Fund, which will provide at least £1m of funding to serving armed forces personnel and their families in the form of grants for welfare projects every year.
Get the latest royal news and gossip you want straight to your inbox. Sign up to one of the Mirror's newsletters
During 2021, the organisation provided 95 grants worth £1.2m.
CEO of NAAFI Steve Marshall said: “We are truly thankful to receive the Royal title and we aim to repay this honour by continuing our excellent support to our Armed Forces as we begin our second century of operation.
“Everyone within NAAFI will take pride in this recognition and it will act as a timely boost to all our employees and loyal customers as they serve across the world today.”
Minister for Defence People and Veterans, Leo Docherty said: “I am delighted that NAAFI has been granted the title Royal NAAFI.
“This is a great honour, particularly at the end of the NAAFI’s centenary year, and recognises their broader service to our Armed Forces.
“The sacrifices made by NAAFI employees in their endeavours to serve those that serve are highly valued by Defence, and it is wonderful to see this recognition.”
