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3w ago

King Charles Dedicates U.K.’s First National Memorial to LGBT Armed Forces Personnel

The dedication fulfils a key Etherton Review recommendation, signalling ongoing redress including payments of up to £70,000 for those dismissed under the ban.

ALREWAS, STAFFORDSHIRE - OCTOBER 27: King Charles III lays flowers during the dedication ceremony for a new memorial to the Armed Forces LGBT+ community at Founders Room National Memorial Arboretum on October 27, 2025 in Alrewas, Staffordshire. The memorial, named "An Opened Letter" is the first to be dedicated to members of the LGBT+ community in the armed forces. Until 2000, it was illegal for members of the British Armed Forces to be openly gay. The memorial is dedicated to those who suffered under this law as well as those currently serving in the military. (Photo by Phil Noble - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • The bronze sculpture, titled An Opened Letter, was created by the Abraxas Academy as a crumpled letter inscribed with words drawn from evidence used against service members.
  • LGBTQ+ veterans’ charity Fighting With Pride led the campaign and delivery, supported by a £350,000 grant from the Office for Veterans’ Affairs.
  • Around 300 serving personnel, veterans and officials attended at the National Memorial Arboretum as the king laid flowers and met former service members.
  • The military ban on LGBT people remained in force until 2000, leading to dismissals, loss of pensions and medals, imprisonment and forced medical treatment.
  • The memorial complements measures arising from the Etherton Review, with veterans’ groups urging eligible people to apply for compensation and restoration of rank and medals.