A speech by The Queen at RAF Cranwell, 2009

Published

You can be justly proud of your achievements, as – I am sure – are your families and friends.

As your Commandant-in-Chief, I am delighted to be here to today to witness the commissioning of officers into the Royal Air Force, and into the Forces of Iraq, Jamaica, and Nigeria. It is also a special occasion for your families and friends and for the permanent training staff who have prepared you for this moment. You have marked that moment in fine style, and I congratulate you on your turnout and ceremonial.

The Royal Air Force has an illustrious history. You, the graduating officers, are now part of that history and inherit the legacy of your forebears. Today, you are embarking on what will be new careers. You have joined a fighting service and the years ahead will test your resolve in unpredictable situations around the world. However, through the training you have received, and the development of your leadership skills, you have experienced challenges and adversities designed to prepare you for the most demanding of circumstances. I am confident of your ability to meet that charge.

While you must carry out the duties placed upon you by the Royal Air Force, it is equally important that you enjoy life. There will be chances to learn new skills, to travel and to broaden your experience. I hope that you will ensure that you, and those under your command, make the most of these opportunities.

You can be justly proud of your achievements, as – I am sure – are your families and friends who support you and who have gathered to celebrate this occasion with you. I wish you all every happiness and success in your chosen career. My prayers go with you and your families.

Related content

A message from Her Majesty The Queen on the 75th anniversary of VJ day

May the memory of their sacrifice and bravery remain with us always.

15 August 2020
Feature

Remembrance 2019

Members of the Royal Family remember the war dead.
Feature

The 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings

Members of the Royal Family remember the sacrifices made during the Allied landings

The Queen's speech at the commissioning ceremony of HMS Queen Elizabeth

HMS Queen Elizabeth embodies the best of British technology and innovation – a true flagship for the 21st century

11 December 2017

Prince Harry delivers a message from The Queen at RAF Honnington

The presentation of Colours is an opportunity to recognise historic achievements and to look forward to the future with confidence; a confidence built upon the dedication of...

19 July 2017

The Queen addresses The Royal Lancers at Windsor Castle

You have established yourselves as a unified Regiment and a force without match

05 April 2017
Press release 20 December 2016

The Queen's Patronages

Read more
Feature

Remembrance 2016

The Queen and the Royal Family attend engagements to mark Remembrance 2016

The Queen's Response to the Chief Engineer, on the Corps of Royal Engineers 300th anniversary

I would wish all Sappers, wherever they may be, every success and good fortune in the future

13 October 2016

A speech by The Queen at the Royal Artillery Tercentenary Parade on 26th May, 2016

The Royal Regiment of Artillery has since 1716 proudly served the Nation all over the World and I wish all Gunners every success and good fortune in the future

26 May 2016
Press release 18 July 2015

Events to mark the anniversary of VJ Day

Read more
Press release 06 March 2015

Gallipoli Centenary Commemorations

Read more
Press release 01 February 2015

Royal family attendance at Afghanistan service

Read more

A speech by The Queen to the Welsh Guards

No hundredth birthday greeting will give greater pleasure to deliver than the one I give to you, along with these New Colours today.

13 January 2015

A speech by The Queen at Rosyth Dockyard

I name this ship QUEEN ELIZABETH. May God bless her and all who sail in her.

04 July 2014
Press release 01 April 2014

WW1 Centenary Commemorations

Read more

A speech by The Queen at the Grenadier Guards Garden Party

The Regimental Association is the very embodiment of the Regimental Family and I trust that it will thrive equally well over the next century too!

26 June 2013

A speech by The Queen at the Armed Forces Muster, 2012

We are very proud of the selfless service, and sacrifices made by servicemen and women and their families in recent years.

19 May 2012

A speech by The Queen to the Coldstream Guards, 2012

You are worthy successors to those soldiers of General Monck’s Regiment of Foot, who, in 1660, marched from Coldstream to restore law and order in the Capital.

03 March 2012

A speech by The Queen at the Presentation of Colours, Royal Military College of Australia

The presentation of Colours is a special opportunity to recognise the past achievements, to give thanks for commitment and loyalty today, and to express confidence in the...

22 October 2011

A speech by The Queen to the Royal Regiment of Scotland, 2011

A fresh chapter has now opened with this presentation of new Colours to six of the seven battalions of The Royal Regiment of Scotland.

02 July 2011
Press release 10 February 2011

Prince William appointed as Colonel of the Irish Guards

Read more
Press release 26 June 2010

The Queen's Armed Forces Day message

Read more

A speech by The Queen to 1st Battalion, Grenadier Guards, 2010

The Colours, that I am presenting to you this morning, represent the spirit of the Regiment, past and present.

11 May 2010

The Queen's broadcast to the Armed Forces, 1 July 2009

I greatly hope that the Elizabeth Cross will give further meaning to the nation’s debt of gratitude to the families and loved ones of those who have died in the service of our...

01 July 2009

A speech by The Queen on the 500th anniversary of Gentlemen at Arms

Your service to the Crown continues in a distinctive way and reinforces the very best values of those who came before you.

01 July 2009
Press release 27 June 2009

Armed Forces Day message

Read more

A speech by The Queen to the 1st Battalion Irish Guards, 2009

You have the greatest cause to be proud of your achievements.

06 May 2009

A speech by The Queen at the '1914-1918 Vigil' at Canada House

Among the millions who lost their lives in the Great War were many Canadians who came to Europe to fight for peace.

04 November 2008