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Our Royal Charter

The Royal Air Force Museum has been granted the Royal Charter in our 50th birthday year, by Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who also officially opened the Museum in 1972.

The Royal Air Force Museum's Royal Charter with Royal Seal

What is a Royal Charter?

A Royal Charter is a formal grant issued by a monarch which confers an independent legal personality on an organisation and defines its objectives, constitution and powers to govern its own affairs. Incorporation by Charter is a prestigious way of acquiring legal personality and reflects the high status of that body.

Only pre-eminent leaders in their field are granted this honour and Charter status provides an appropriate governance structure for the future and is an affirmation of the national importance of the Museum.