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The Royal British Legion Madrid Branch

The Madrid Branch of the RBL was constituted in November 2022 and became an official branch (BR4041) in February 2023 as part of Spain District North

RBL Madrid Committee
Members of the RBL Madrid Branch with HE Sir Alex Ellis, British Ambassador to Spain

About the Royal British Legion

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Membership is open to everyone who shares the values of the Legion to support the Armed Forces community, irrespective of nationality or background.

The Royal British Legion is the United Kingdom’s leading Armed Forces charity providing care and support to all members of the British Armed Forces past and present and their families. It is also the national Custodian of Remembrance and safeguards the Armed Forces Covenant between the nation and its Armed Forces. It is best known for the annual Poppy Appeal and its emblem the red poppy.

Our branch members predominantly come from the Madrid area, and are a mix of British, Spanish and other nationals, serving military personnel and military veterans, civilians, men and women, as well as a small youth element.

The Royal Charter

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The Royal British Legion is a body incorporated by Royal Charter. The Charter sets out the RBL’s objectives and powers. It also details how the organisation is to be structured, organised, managed and run.

The first Charter was granted to the British Legion, as it was known then, in 1925 by King George Ⅴ. That first Charter has been changed by various Supplemental Charters to develop alongside the needs of the serving and ex-Service community, and the evolving structure of The Royal British Legion. HM King Charles Ⅲ is the Patron of the Legion.

Support

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The Royal British Legion provides lifelong support for the Armed Forces community – serving men and women, veterans and their families wherever they are in the world.

If you are a serving member of the Armed Forces, have served or are the dependent or carer of someone who has served in the UK’s Armed Forces, then you could be eligible for help from our Branch in Madrid. Check the Support page for a complete list of eligible beneficiaries.

Spain District North also has a Community Support Coordinator who can provide help. He is available from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, at +34 676 451 780 or you can email .

Meetings in Madrid

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The Madrid Branch meets at The Secret Kingdoms bookshop on the first Sunday of the month at 5.30pm, except in the new year and in summer. Check the Events page for exact dates. The bookshop is located at Calle Moratín 7, 28014 Madrid.
Metro de Madrid Antón Martín. See map at ///clipped.victory.chipper

There is an informal social meeting at Pool and Beer on Mondays at 7pm. Check the Events page for exact dates and any change in venue. The bar is located at Calle Joaquín María López 17, 28015 Madrid.
Metro de Madrid Islas Filipinas. See map at ///coaching.lanes.underway

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Poppy Appeal

Poppies are “worn to commemorate the sacrifices of our Armed Forces and to show support to those still serving today.” The British remembrance poppy is the trademark of The Royal British Legion. The RBL states, “The red poppy is our registered mark and its only lawful use is to raise funds for the Poppy Appeal”, the yearly fundraising drive in the weeks before Remembrance Day. Other poppy merchandise is sold throughout the year as part of ongoing fundraising.

In England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Spain, the poppies typically have two red paper petals mounted on a green plastic stem with a single green paper leaf and a prominent black plastic central boss. The stem has an additional branch used as a pin to anchor the poppy in the lapel or buttonhole. The yearly sale of poppies is a major source of income for the RBL.

The poppy has no fixed price; it is sold for a donation or the price may be suggested by the volunteer. The black plastic centre of the poppy was marked “Haig Fund” until 1994 but is now marked “Poppy Appeal”.

In Scotland, the poppies are produced and distributed by the Earl Haig Fund Scotland. Poppies produced by Earl Haig Fund Scotland appear slightly different from their RBL counterparts, with the Scottish poppy being curled with four petals and no leaf.