Britain's Prince Andrew has taken over from his father as the Grand President of the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League.

Prince Andrew

Prince Andrew

The royal - who turns 55 today (19.02.15) - was presented with an implement called a Kabonga, which is used to keep order in the League's meetings, by the Duke of Edinburgh who handed over the role of Grand President and Keeper of the Kabonga after 41 years.

A message on the Duke of York's official Facebook page read: "In 1974 The Duke of Edinburgh took over as Grand President of the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League from Lord Mountbatten and after 41 years at the helm of the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League supporting Commonwealth Veterans around the world The Duke of Edinburgh handed over the "Kabonga" to me as I take up the role of Grand President and Keeper of the Kabonga, to keep order in meetings! He was dined out in style by the Officers of the League today at the Army and Navy Club to mark his 41 years. Information on the Commonwealth Ex-Services League can be found athttp://www.commonwealthveterans.org.uk/ (sic)"

The League was formed in 1921 by two Field Marshalls, Earl Haig and General Smuts, and aims to assist Commonwealth former servicemen and women if they are need of help.

Tagged in