“In 1909, when the Air League was founded, aviation was in its infancy, but the founders had the vision to recognise its potential for civil and military use. The Air League has never lost that vision and is, today, as active as ever in promoting an interest in aviation among young people through the offer of Flying Scholarships and Bursaries, in supporting the development of effective military aviation, in stimulating internationally competitive aircraft manufacturing and air transport industries, and in encouraging general aviation in this country.”
HRH The Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh KG KT
Patron of the Air League
1952 - 2021
The Air League was truly honoured to count HRH The Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh as the charity’s Royal Patron for nearly 70 years.
The Duke of Edinburgh bestowed patronage to the Air League in late 1952 after its previous Patron, HRH Princess Elizabeth Duchess of Edinburgh ascended to the throne as Queen Elizabeth II.
The Duke of Edinburgh served as President of the League in 1959 commemorating its 50th anniversary, and over the past seven decades of patronage was at the forefront of supporting the Air League’s work of articulating the advanced technologies and crucial industry skills needed by the UK’s aviation and aerospace industries.
We are incredibly grateful that the Duke of Edinburgh encouraged and supported generations of young people from all backgrounds in the United Kingdom to pursue careers in aviation and aerospace through the Air League’s various outreach and scholarship programmes. HRH attended the Air League’s annual reception for over 40 years until his retirement in 2017. His legacy as Patron will continue through the Prince Philip Flying Scholarship, awarded annually.
Looking to the future, we will share any news as soon as we are able to regarding the appointment of a new Patron.
