For nearly 100 years the English Speaking Union (ESU) has been promoting international friendship and understanding through the use of the English language.
Initially based in London, it now has over 60 branches worldwide. As part of its work it runs many educational and cultural programmes.
The ESU is a charity established by Royal Charter with Her Majesty the Queen as Patron. The former President of the ESU, His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh (1957‑2012) was succeeded by HRH Princess Anne.
One of the Chairmen of the English-Speaking Union was Sir Winston Churchill.
The ESU’s current Chairman is Lord Paul Boateng. 

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Patron of the English-Speaking Union	Sir Winston Churchill: “I wish the English-Speaking Union all success in its task of strengthening further bonds that unite the English speaking peoples.”	The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh “I believe the English-Speaking Union is making a very important contribution to global peace and understanding by helping people across the world to communicate in a common language.	HRH Princess Anne President of the ESU since 2012