When an organisation reaches the age the Royal Over-Seas League has, significant anniversaries seem to come along like buses. You wait years for them and then two arrive at once! In 2022, ROSL will celebrate the centenary of the granting of its Royal Charter by King George V, as well as 70 years of the Annual Music Competition.
On page 6, we delve into the archives to uncover the rich history of royal patronage stretching back to the earliest days of ROSL’s formation, while on page 11 HM The Queen sends a personal message to ROSL members. On page 12, Abi Millar finds out more about the history of Royal Charters and how they differ from other types of organisation.
Former Director-Generals recollect their encounters with royalty on page 14 and comment on what it means to them to head an organisation with such close connections to the Royal Family.
Meanwhile, on page 18, the ROSL ARTS team also take a trip down memory lane to find out more about the people and places associated with the AMC over the years, including the competitors, the judges and the venues. ROSL Vice Patron HRH Princess Alexandra sends her own personal message to ROSL on page 21, while three former AMC competitors look back on their time at ROSL on page 20. Bringing things right up to date, 2021 Gold Medal winner Ryan Corbett accordion talks us through his musical upbringing on page 26.
