Richmond – February 2021. The Delegation of Great Britain and Ireland of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St George notes with much sadness the passing on 10 April 2020, aged 89, of former journalist, devout Catholic and interfaith campaigner, Leo Simmonds. Mr Simmonds died as a result of Covid-19.Leo Simmonds was appointed in 2006 a Knight of Merit with Star of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St George by decree of HRH Prince Charles of Bourbon Two Sicilies, Duke of Castro and Grand Master and invested at a ceremony held at Westminister Cathedral held the same year. He was a regular attendee at our delegation events and masses.
Leo was born on 2 November 1930 and after schooling at Ratcliffe College graduated from the University of London. Leo undertook his national service in the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment, where he was commissioned as an officer. After the Army, Leo joined the Sunday Express newspaper as general manager before joining the board director of the Evening Standard – a position he maintained until his retirement. Mr Simmonds also became a parish councillor in Wandsworth.Leo served many Catholic organisations across Britain including as the Honorary Secretary of the Association of Papal Orders in Great Britain, board member of the Challoner Club, and council member of The Catholic Union of Great Britain and The Friends of the Holy Father. Leo was actively engaged with the Catenians and served as president of the City of Westminster circle on two separate occasions and as editor of the Catenian magazine for 27 years. Leo served a term as President of the Radcliffe Old Boys Association.
Leo was born on 2 November 1930 and after schooling at Ratcliffe College graduated from the University of London. Leo undertook his national service in the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment, where he was commissioned as an officer. After the Army, Leo joined the Sunday Express newspaper as general manager before joining the board director of the Evening Standard – a position he maintained until his retirement. Mr Simmonds also became a parish councillor in Wandsworth.Leo served many Catholic organisations across Britain including as the Honorary Secretary of the Association of Papal Orders in Great Britain, board member of the Challoner Club, and council member of The Catholic Union of Great Britain and The Friends of the Holy Father. Leo was actively engaged with the Catenians and served as president of the City of Westminster circle on two separate occasions and as editor of the Catenian magazine for 27 years. Leo served a term as President of the Radcliffe Old Boys Association.
For his charitable and faith-based work, Leo was recognised by his appointment as a Knight Commander of the Pontifical Order of St Gregory the Great by decree of the late St John Paul II. Mr Simmonds also held the rank of Knight Commander with Star of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulture of Jerusalem within the Lieutenancy of England and Wales.
Leo had five children – Veronica, Nicholas and Christopherby his first wife Barbara Simmonds, and Leonora and Patrick by his second wife Mary-Clare Simmonds. On behalf of our Delegation I extend our sincere condolences to Leo’s wife Mary Clare and to all members of the Simmonds family.
Requiescat in pace. Rest in peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.