Major Midlands Attraction Set for Historic Name Change
A prominent Midlands visitor destination that has welcomed numerous members of the Royal Family is preparing for a significant rebranding later this year. The National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire will officially become known as the Royal British Legion National Remembrance Gardens starting in September.
Integration with Royal British Legion
The name change follows the complete integration of the 150-acre Alrewas estate near Lichfield with the Royal British Legion (RBL). The RBL has served as the parent charity of the arboretum since 2003. This development marks a new chapter for the site, reflecting its evolution over the past quarter-century and its central role in the RBL's mission to unite society in recognizing, remembering, and supporting the Armed Forces Community.
Mark Atkinson, director general of the RBL, stated: "The National Memorial Arboretum is a remarkable place that has long held a special place within the Royal British Legion. Founded on an inspirational vision, its dedicated team has worked tirelessly over the past 25 years to solidify the site as the nation’s year-round place to remember."
He continued: "This integration of governance opens the next chapter in its history, placing the Royal British Legion National Remembrance Gardens at the heart of our Remembrance work. This strengthens our ability to invest in the long‑term future of the site, building on its incredible legacy while preserving the character, purpose and sense of welcome that mean so much to those who visit."
Royal Visits and Commemorative Role
The site, which attracts over 300,000 visitors annually, will continue to serve as a dedicated space for commemorating the service and sacrifice of Armed Forces personnel, emergency services, and civilian organizations. It has hosted large-scale national events, including RBL's Remembering VJ Day – 80 Years On in August 2025.
Since its opening, the arboretum has been visited by various royals, including the late Queen Elizabeth II during her Golden Jubilee tour in 2002, with subsequent visits in 2007, 2011, and 2016. King Charles III made multiple visits as Prince of Wales, attending events such as the VJ Day 75 commemorations in 2020, and also visited in 2002, 2012, 2018, 2021, and as monarch in October 2025.
Other royal visitors have included Catherine, Princess of Wales, who met with veterans and visited the Armed Forces Memorial during the Armistice Day Service of Remembrance in 2025. Prince William, the Princess Royal, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Duke of Gloucester, and the Duchess of Kent have also toured the site.
Future Vision and Community Commitment
Philippa Rawlinson, director of the National Memorial Arboretum and RBL director of remembrance, emphasized: "The National Memorial Arboretum is such a special place because of the commitment of our team members and the wider communities who care deeply about preserving the inspirational stories behind our more than 420 memorials."
She added: "The full integration of the Arboretum and the RBL gives us the strongest possible foundation for the future, helping us pass the baton of Remembrance to future generations. Our team remains focused on caring for this unique place, staying true to our purpose and ensuring the future RBL National Remembrance Gardens will remain an accessible and inclusive world-class visitor destination, freely open to all."
The rename signifies a strengthened partnership aimed at enhancing the site's role as a national center for remembrance while maintaining its welcoming atmosphere and historical significance for years to come.
