# Royal Over-Seas League

The Royal Over-Seas League (ROSL) is a not-for-profit institution founded in 1910, dedicated to promoting international friendship pursuant to its royal charter, an ethos which binds its global membership.
ROSL has a Grade I listed clubhouse in the heart of St James's, London, and a programme of events including a public affairs series which focusses on geopolitical issues, concerts, art exhibitions, and fine food and wine occasions.
The extensive heritage Clubhouse includes a dining room, over 80 bedrooms, events spaces and a beautiful garden overlooking Green Park where members enjoy al fresco dining in the summer.
ROSL promotes young musicians and visual artists through an arts programme, including the Annual Music Competition, which is over 70 years old. In 2021, the organisation introduced the Public Affairs Series and Annual Lecture, a series of events and debates featuring journalists and broadcasters, ambassadors, politicians and thought leaders.
The ROSL Foundation, its associated charity, supports music, arts and heritage.

## Leadership

ROSL’s Patron is HM The King Charles III. Vice-Patron HRH Princess Alexandra KG GCVO, the President is The Rt Hon The Lord Geidt GCB GCVO OBE QSO PC, the Director General since 2020 is Dr Annette Prandzioch, and its Chairman, Helen Prince.

## Facilities and Activities

The clubhouse has 83 bedrooms, many with views across the Royal Park or across the skyline of Westminster. Members and their guests enjoy a varied choice of dining, from relaxed and informal in the Duke of York Bar and Garden, through to afternoon tea in the Drawing Room, to fine dining menus and wines served in the 1910 Dining Room.
The art deco dining room was refurbished in 2022. It has a chef team and collaborations with celebrity chefs Irini Tzortzoglou, Cyrus Todiwala and Daren Liew.
Members and commercial event planners are welcome to host both corporate and private events and celebrations within any of the nine event spaces. Six Park Place is the ROSL commercial venue.
ROSL publishes a quarterly journal called Overseas, which comprises contemporary features written by renowned journalists, members' articles and information about forthcoming events and the arts programme.
Membership allows access to various events, including the Public Affairs Series and Annual Lecture, which is an introduction of intellectual content, discussing geopolitical issues with keynote speakers. Recent speakers include Michael Gove, Rt Hon. Lord William Hague of Richmond, Former Prime Minister of Australia Julia Gillard, Scott Morrison, Sir John Sawers, Lord Andrew Roberts, Lord Frost, Baroness Catherine Ashton, and Lord Robertson.
ROSL enjoys connections with talented music performers such as Joseph Calleja.

## Membership

The ROSL has 11,000 members worldwide. Membership fees are based on proximity to the London clubhouse, or age, with those aged 17 to 25 enjoying a reduced rate of membership. To become part of the organisation requires a proposer.

## Annual Music Competition

ROSL organises a worldwide annual competition for musicians aged 30 and under. There are four solo section awards and two ensemble awards; the solo section winners then compete for the competition gold medal and first prize. The competition celebrates over 70 years of success in supporting and promoting young talented musicians, past winners include; Jacqueline du Pré, Melvyn Tan, Piers Lane, Jonathan Lemalu, Sean Shibe and the Marmen Quartet.
ROSL offers many performance opportunities to prize-winners after the competition at major venues such as Wigmore Hall. The organisation has established relationships with many UK festivals and promoters including Brighton, Buxton, Cambridge Summer Music, and North Norfolk.
ROSL’s award-winning series of chamber music concerts in Edinburgh is a fixture of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
These programmes offer this group of young extraordinary talent an artistic home with experienced mentorship and advice, networking, promotional support and concert opportunities around the world.

## ROSL Foundation

The ROSL Foundation (Charity no. 306095) was established on 1 January 1960 to mark the ROSL’s Golden Jubilee.
The Hon. Alexander Downer AC is the Chairman of Trustees.

## Arms

Coat of arms of Royal Over-Seas League :
* NotesGranted 7 January 1960.
* CrestOn a wreath Argent Gules and Azure two hands that to the dexter Sable and that to the sinister carnation supporting a terrestrial globe the sea Or the land Gules.
* EscutcheonIn a shield a representation of a seascape thereon an ancient ship in full sail flying a pennon and flags of St. George all within a bordure of clouds Proper.
* SupportersOn the dexter side a winged sea-unicorn Argent armed crined finned and the wings Or and on the sinister side a winged sea-lion also Argent maned finned and the wings Gold.
* MottoUbique Navigamus