The Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro HRH Prince Michael of Kent, GCVO, signed the Middlesex Armed Forces Covenant on behalf of the Members of his Province, in a short Ceremony at Mark Masons’ Hall, London (HRH is also the MW Grand Master of the Mark and Royal Ark Mariner Degrees) on Wednesday 2nd March 2022, together with Commander Andrew Swain, MBE, Royal Navy, on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

The Signing Ceremony was witnessed by the members of the Provincial Grand Master’s Executive Committee and invited representatives of Middlesex Lodges with military connections and members.

This included the Pro Provincial Grand Master, RW Peter Baker, who introduced those attending to the Provincial Grand Master and the Commander Swain RN MBE underlining on behalf of the Province the support and commitment to members and former members of the Armed Forces.

HRH The Provincial Grand Master is also the MW Grand Master of the Mark and Royal Mariner Degrees and it was fitting that the RW Bro Edward R Gerty the Provincial Grand Master of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons in Middlesex was also in attendance.

The Armed Forces Covenant is an enduring Covenant between the People of the United Kingdom, Her Majesty’s Government and all those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces of the Crown and their families.

The whole nation has a moral obligation to the members of the Naval Service, the Army and the Royal Air Force, together with their families.

They deserve our respect and support, and fair treatment. Indeed, this obligation involves the whole of society: it includes voluntary and charitable bodies, private organisations, and the actions of individuals in supporting the Armed Forces.

Recognising those who have performed military duty unites the country and demonstrates the value of their contribution.

This has no greater expression than in upholding this Covenant.

RW Peter Baker was supported by the Deputy Provincial Grand Master VW Bro Barry Cramer and also the Deputy Grand Superintendent, E Comp John Eynon along with other members of the Craft Executive, including W Bro Jim Mitchell, who had been charged with organising the event.

Many of the guests attending had seen military service as was attested by the campaign medals worn whilst others had connections with the Armed Forces.

Read the Statement made by RW Peter Baker Pro Provincial Grand Master in relation to the Covenant HERE

The formal signing ceremony was followed by a small reception where HRH the Provincial Grand Master was able to meet all those present.

To view the Flicr Gallery of photos click HERE