Kings’ and Queen’s Scouts

The King’s Scout Award, previously the King’s Scout Badge, Queen’s Scout Badge, and Queen’s Scout Award, is currently the highest progressive award achievable for Explorer Scouts and Scout Network members, with an upper age limit of 25.

In November 1909, at the request of Robert Baden-Powell, King Edward VII approved the King’s Scout Badge. It was awarded to First Class Scouts who had passed the Guide’s badge and three of Ambulance, Bugler, Cyclist, Marksman, Seaman and Signaller, and was worn on the left sleeve. 

After the formal establishment of the Senior Scout section in 1946, only Senior Scouts (or Boy Scouts over 15 years of age) could become King’s Scouts. The upper age limit at that time was 18.

The award was renamed from King’s Scout to Queen’s Scout by April 1952, with the accession and approval of Queen Elizabeth II. 

It was upon the introduction of Venture Scouts who replaced Senior Scouts, that the upper age limit was increased to 20 and ‘Badge’ was replaced by ‘Award’.

In addition to the changes above, there have also been changes to the requirements necessary in order to gain the award. However, for the most part the key elements still focus on personal development, camping & expedition skills and community service. 

Since 1947, individuals who achieved the King’s Scout or Queen’s Scout Award received a certificate with a facsimile signature of the monarch at that time. The certificate for a King’s Scout was headed by a stylised Royal coat of arms of the monarch and stated:

“AS A KING’S SCOUT you have prepared yourself for service to God and your fellow-men, and have shown yourself a worthy member of the great SCOUT BROTHERHOOD. I wish you God-speed on your journey through life; may it prove for you a joyous adventure.” 

Holders of the Badge / Award can be called upon to perform a variety of Royal and Civic duties. There are several occasions when those from Hendon and Edgware have undertaken these tasks that ranged from providing a guard of honour at specific functions to providing assistance at Buckingham Palace Garden Parties. Other examples from the past include performing duties at Coronation and Jubilee celebrations. 

For many however, their highlight was being selected to take part in the National St. George’s Day Parade at Windsor Castle. The Queen’s Scouts march into the Quadrangle where the parade is reviewed by a representative of the Royal Family. They then march through the castle and down to St. George’s Chapel, where they take part in the National Scout Service.

There were also, from time to time, special awards made by the District. There are records that show that some holders attended special dinner receptions.

Below is a record of the awards known to have been made in our District. Where known, it also includes those Scouts who were members of the Edgware Groups that did not join Hendon in 1965. Additional names will be added if submitted and verified.

Roll of Honour

King’s Scout Badge

Queen’s Scout Badge

Queen’s Scout Award