Queen opens Royal British Legion HQ in Borough High Street

Musicians from the Central Band of the Royal British Legion played a fanfare as the royal party arrived.

The Queen met wounded serving and ex-service personnel and service families during the 45-minute visit.

Beneficiaries of the Legion who were presented to the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at Haig House include those injured recently in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as veterans of earlier conflicts.

Prominent supporters of the Legion who were present at the opening included newsreaders Huw Edwards and Alastair Stewart, as well as with soprano Hayley Westenra who helped to launch the 2008 Poppy Appeal from Basra.

North Southwark & Bermondsey MP Simon Hughes and Mayor of Southwark Cllr Eliza Mann were also present for the ceremony.

"The Legion is not just about those who served in wars past but about campaigning and caring for current service personnel and their families," says director-general Chris Simpkins.

"There has been a 30 per cent increase in requests for help from those under the age of 35 and the Legion has risen to the challenge of meeting their needs thanks to the public's support."

The building, formerly known as Angel Court, was previously occupied by the Inland Revenue's special compliance office.

Pupils from Charles Dickens Primary School were present to see the arrival and departure of the royal party.