In Memory Of Admiral Of The Fleet The Lord Boyce
22 November 2022
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Michael Boyce, The Admiral of the Fleet the Lord Boyce, KG, GCB, OBE, KStJ, DL. Mike was the charity’s first patron and helped us over a period of 21 years (from 2001 until his death in November 2022).
Although Mike started out as a Patron for Sail 4 Cancer given his naval background, Mike extended his patronage to all of the 4 Cancer Group’s list of charities including Run 4 Cancer, Ski 4 Cancer, Bike 4 Cancer and the Neil Vines Trust.
Mike had a long and distinguished career in the Royal Navy which concluded with him reaching the rank of First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff from 1998 to 2001. He then served as Chief of the Defence Staff from 2001 to 2003. He was appointed a Knight of Justice of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem in November 2002.
In June 2003, Mike was created a life peer Baron Boyce, of Pimlico in the City of Westminster and later a Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London in December 2003. In the following year he succeeded Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother in her role as Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports. He also became chairman of the Royal Navy Club of 1765 & 1785 (United 1889).
Mike was created a Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter in April 2011. In 2013, he was elected Master of the Drapers’ Company, one of London’s most prestigious livery companies.
In 2014, Mike was awarded the rank of Admiral of the Fleet, the highest ranking naval rank in the UK. This rank dates back to the 17th century but since 1995 has been honorary. Previous holders of the rank include King Charles III, The Duke of Edinburgh and The Earl Mountbatten of Burma.
Mike served in various Non-Executive Director roles and was Patron to a number of other charities too. H He He He was Patron of the Submariners Association, Dover College, The Dover War Memorial Project and of Kent Search and Rescue as well as being an Elder Brother of Trinity House and Chairman of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. He also served as president of the Pilgrims Society, the Royal Navy Submarine Museum and Hastings charity, the Winkle Club and was also a trustee of the Naval and Military Club.
We would like to thank Mike for his guidance, support and kindness over the many years that he was involved with the charity. He will be sorely missed on so many different levels.
