🎖️Supporting Heroes at Home: The Royal British Legion in North Cyprus

Wreath-laying ceremony at the Royal British Legion Kyrenia

When we think of the Royal British Legion (RBL), many instinctively recall the annual Poppy Appeal or Remembrance Sunday in the United Kingdom. What’s less well known, however, is that the RBL’s compassion and community reach extend far beyond the UK — including into Northern Cyprus, where the Kyrenia branch plays a meaningful role.

Here’s what you should know — especially if you live here or engage with the British-expat or veteran community in North Cyprus.

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🌸What is the Royal British Legion?

Founded in 1921, the Royal British Legion is the UK’s leading Armed Forces charity. It provides support — financial, social and emotional — for serving personnel, ex-service personnel and their families.

Overseas branches, like the one in Kyrenia, give ex-local-service personnel and the wider community a vital support network.

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🎖️The Kyrenia Branch — A Local Hub in North Cyprus

The Kyrenia branch (established 1 October 2011) of the RBL was set up after discussions with UK headquarters and TRNC authorities.

Key highlights:

•     It supports local veterans and ex-service persons regardless of whether they live full-time in Northern Cyprus or split time between here and the UK.

•     In 2021, the branch held a special lunch to mark the RBL centenary, attended by the President of the TRNC, demonstrating strong local recognition and community integration.

•     The branch also helps maintain the Old British Cemetery in Kyrenia and commemorates those who served in the “Cyprus Emergency” (1955-59) as well as later service.

•     Membership is not limited to veterans — anyone who supports the RBL’s objectives may join.

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✨Why It Matters for North Cyprus Residents

For Brits or former UK-service personnel living in or visiting Northern Cyprus — or for local friends and associates who want to engage — the Kyrenia branch offers:

•     Community & Camaraderie: A social network of like-minded people who share a service ethos or a desire to support the armed-forces community.

•     Remembrance & Heritage: Ensuring the memory of those who served in Cyprus and beyond is honoured locally.

•     Support Services: While specific welfare support might still be anchored via the UK charity, the overseas branch helps connect individuals to national RBL assistance.

•     Local Events & Fund-Raising: From gala dinners to remembrance services, the branch brings local expat, veteran and community members together.

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How to Get Involved

Here are practical steps if you’d like to connect with the Kyrenia branch:

👉Visit the branch website or Facebook page (e.g., the Facebook page for RBL Kyrenia) for upcoming meeting dates and events.

👉Consider becoming a member — the requirement is support for the RBL’s objectives rather than military service per se.

👉Attend one of the branch social or remembrance events. These are great ways to meet people and contribute to the community.

👉For help or to enquire about welfare support, contact the national RBL helpline or overseas branches via the official RBL website.

👉Spread the word: share events with friends, support the Poppy Appeal locally or help fund-raise to keep the branch active.

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🏠 A Note for Property-Owners, Visitors or Expats in North Cyprus

As a resident of North Cyprus, you might not be aware that the local RBL branch offers a touch-point of British veteran community presence. Whether you’re a full-time resident, a snowbird, or simply visiting, you may find value in the branch’s social structure, heritage-links, and local remembrance events. And if you run a local business or organisation (e.g., your bar/restaurant, a local club), partnering with or supporting the branch can deepen your community integration and resonate with veteran or expat customers.

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🌸 Final Toughts

The Royal British Legion in North Cyprus is more than a branch — it is a marker of remembrance, support and community for those who served and those who wish to honour that service. For anyone living in or visiting Northern Cyprus with ties to the UK or the Armed Forces, it offers a meaningful link — a way to connect, remember and contribute locally.