His Majesty learnt how heritage skills are being revived in the cathedral city of Lichfield before attending an LGBT+ Armed Forces Memorial Dedication Ceremony at the National Memorial Arboretum during a day of engagements in the West Midlands.
His Majesty’s day in Staffordshire focussed on community and history, as The King learnt about a table made from 5,000-year-old oak which is helping bring people together in Lichfield Cathedral, and marked 25 years since the ban on gay men, lesbians, and bisexual people serving in the UK Armed Forces was lifted with the dedication of a new memorial to LGBTQ+ military personnel.
The new Government-funded public memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum remembers all LGBT+ people who have served and continue to serve in the military. Throughout the 20th Century, Although the Sexual Offences Act 1967 partially decriminalised male homosexual relationships in England and Wales, this ban remained in place for military personnel until the year 2000.
During the Dedication Ceremony, His Majesty listened to speeches delivered by serving personnel and Ed Hall, Chair of Fighting With Pride.
Following the addresses, The King lay a bouquet of flowers at the newly unveiled memorial.
The chosen design of the memorial, titled An Opened Letter, was created by the Abraxas Academy artist collective. The memorial features a free-standing, opened letter forged in bronze, resting on a base of British York stone. The letter incorporates words drawn from the testimonies of former service personnel affected by the ban, alongside contributions from current serving members and veterans who participated in the design consultation.
Following the ceremony, The King met LGBT+ veterans and serving personnel.
Earlier, at Lichfield Cathedral, The King joined members of the community to celebrate local heritage skills, with a focus on the Fenland Black Oak Table, The Table for the Nation.
For over 1,300 years there has been a place of worship where Lichfield Cathedral now stands. Today, the Cathedral is considered the heart of the community, bringing precious heritage, music and worship to day to day life.
The Table for the Nation, crafted from 5,000-year-old Fenland Black Oak, was originally created for Her Late Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee Year as a symbol of unity and hope. Though rare and historically significant, the table is not merely ornamental; it has become a well-used space for hospitality and connection.
The King was greeted by the Dean of Lichfield, The Right Reverend Jan McFarlane, and the Bishop of Lichfield, the Right Reverend Michael Ipgrave. During the visit, His Majesty met representatives from local community groups, including the Liberty Jamboree, MusicShare, and volunteers from the Cathedral’s embroiderers and City’s Foodbank, around the table. The King heard how the table has fostered collaboration and strengthened community ties.
Since its arrival at Lichfield Cathedral in May 2025, the Fenland Black Oak Table has hosted numerous groups from across the region. A collaborative project is currently underway to create a 13-metre table runner, made from squares contributed by community members, which will be completed just before the table leaves Lichfield in April
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