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Armed Forces
The United Grand Lodge of England increased support of UK military members through signing the Armed Forces Covenant to aid with education, housing, welfare and more.
In October 2021 the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) signed the Armed Forces Covenant to support members of the Armed Forces to ensure they have the same access to the government like other citizens in the UK.
The signing of the partnership took place during a ceremony at Freemasons’ Hall led by His Royal Highness, The Duke of Kent at Freemasons Hall.
Since signing the Armed Forces Covenant, UGLE has demonstrated its support to members through education, family wellbeing, getting a home, starting a new career, access to healthcare, financial assistance and discounted services.
During the ceremony, The Duke of Kent said: “It is my great pleasure to sign the Armed Forces Covenant on behalf of the United Grand Lodge of England. We are proud of our long-standing relationship with the Armed Forces and we will continue to promote their welfare, support, and respect amongst all our members.”
UGLE has a strong Armed Forces background through its military Lodge, the partnership represents an important step in further supporting both active and retired military personnel.
The UK government’s Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) recognises UGLE as delivering tangible support for the Armed Forces community since signing the Armed Forces Covenant.
Army Reserves director Major General Simon Graham signed the pact on behalf of the Ministry of Defence. He said: “For centuries the United Grand Lodge of England has had a solid connection to the Armed Forces, and it makes perfect sense for us to have the Freemasons signing up to Armed Forces Covenant this year. I'd like to thank the United Grand Lodge of England for supporting the Armed Forces community.”
Assistant Grand Master John Thompson reflects:
“Standing here among the names and memorials of the fallen, we are reminded that our actions today will always be rooted in respect, gratitude and responsibility. This is your home within Freemasonry.”
'United by Service': Stay Connected with Our Armed Forces Newsletter
We are also delighted to announce the launch of our new Armed Forces newsletter - 'United by Service'.
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UGLE Supports Armed Forces Commemoration at the National Memorial Arboretum National Service of Remembrance November 2025
To mark the National Service of Remembrance this November 2025, UGLE is pleased to support Metropolitan Grand Lodge of London in hosting a commemoration at the National Memorial Arboretum to honour members of the Armed Forces and those who have served, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.
The Covenant
List of Provinces who signed the Covenant
- Bedfordshire
- Berkshire
- Buckinghamshire
- Cheshire
- Cumberland and Westmorland
- Devonshire
- Dorset
- Durham
- East Kent
- East Lancashire
- Essex
- Hampshire and Isle of Wight
- Herefordshire
- Isle of Man
- Jersey
- Leicestershire and Rutland
- Lincolnshire
- Metropolitan Grand Lodge
- Middlesex
- Monmouthshire
- Norfolk
- North Wales
- Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire...Read more
List of Provinces who signed the Covenant
- Bedfordshire
- Berkshire
- Buckinghamshire
- Cheshire
- Cumberland and Westmorland
- Devonshire
- Dorset
- Durham
- East Kent
- East Lancashire
- Essex
- Hampshire and Isle of Wight
- Herefordshire
- Isle of Man
- Jersey
- Leicestershire and Rutland
- Lincolnshire
- Metropolitan Grand Lodge
- Middlesex
- Monmouthshire
- Norfolk
- North Wales
- Northamptonshire & Huntingdonshire
- Northumberland
- Oxfordshire
- Shropshire
- Staffordshire
- Suffolk
- Surrey
- Sussex
- Warwickshire
- West Kent
- West Lancashire
- Wiltshire
- Worcestershire
- Yorkshire, North and East Ridings
- Yorkshire, West Riding
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MCF and RMBI pledge support for veterans
During our annual Members’ Meeting in December, MCF President, Richard Hone and RMBI Care Co. Chairman, John Boyington, signed the Armed Forces Covenant on behalf of the MCF and RMBI Care Co.
The Speeches
Address by The Grand Master, HRH The Duke of Kent at the UGLE Armed Forces Covenant Signing
Address by the Grand Secretary at the UGLE Armed Forces Covenant Signing
