The RSPB pays tribute to its patron, Her Majesty The Queen, who has passed away at the age of 96.
Beccy Speight, its Chief Executive, said: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of The Queen and offer our heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family.
"Her Majesty showed unwavering support as the patron of the RSPB for which we are hugely grateful.
"Her role as our patron reflected her dedication to championing charitable causes and the unstinting devotion to public duty she showed throughout her long reign."
A particular highlight of The Queen’s patronage was the reception she hosted at St James’s Palace to celebrate the RSPB’s centenary in 1989. The event was attended by almost 300 RSPB staff, volunteers and supporters.
In recognition of the RSPB’s work, Her Majesty also sent a message which was published in the RSPB’s Birds magazine:
"I send my warm thanks to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, for the kind message of loyal greetings, sent on the occasion of the Centenary of the Society.
"As your patron, I am delighted to send congratulations on this notable anniversary.
"My best wishes go to you for continued success in your invaluable work for the conservation of wild birds, and their environment, in the United Kingdom and abroad."
RSPB staff were also delighted to meet Her Majesty, in 1999 at the unveiling of a statue of comedian Eric Morecambe who was a keen ornithologist.
The Queen was well known for her love of the countryside, and Stuart Housden, former Director of RSPB Scotland, recalls her passion for the wildlife and landscapes of Scotland.
"Her Majesty took a keen interest in how wildlife was faring on the Balmoral Estate in Aberdeenshire and was so delighted to discover a nest of capercaillie chicks while out horse riding one day that she asked for me to be informed.
"She also sought advice on how management of the estate could be improved for wildlife, and I was invited by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales to see for myself some of the work that had been undertaken."
The Queen was acutely aware of the need to restore natural habitats, for the benefit of wildlife, people and the planet, and through numerous tree planting projects, including The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative to mark her Platinum Jubilee, she was instrumental in encouraging conservation efforts across the world.
In a speech to launch the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow in 2021, she reflected on the scale of the nature and climate emergency and voiced her hope that by "working side by side, we have the ability to solve the most insurmountable problems and triumph over the greatest of adversities".
She also spoke of her pride that the baton of environmental protection had been passed on to her son, HRH The Prince of Wales, and grandson, HRH The Duke of Cambridge, and we have no doubt that they will continue her legacy, just as we will continue our work to create a world richer in nature.
We offer our sincere thanks for her unstinting support for our cause.
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