His Majesty The King makes first official RNLI visit since becoming Patron

His Majesty was in Walmer as part of a special programme of events hosted by the Lord Warden of the Confederation of Cinque Ports, Admiral Sir George Zambellas. Neighbouring Deal is one of 14 coastal towns that make up the Confederation of Cinque Ports, formed for military and trade purposes with origins dating back to the 11th century.

On arrival at Walmer RNLI, His Majesty was welcomed by volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager, Denis Brophy MBE.  

Denis, a RNLI volunteer since 1967, had the privilege of introducing His Majesty to other dedicated volunteers, including Boathouse Manager and former Head Launcher and crew Les Coe in recognition of his 70 years of service to the RNLI.  

Denis said: ‘It is both an honour and a privilege as Lifeboat Operations Manager to welcome His Majesty King Charles III, as Patron of the RNLI, leading the charity into its third century of lifesaving, to Walmer Lifeboat Station to meet our hardworking and dedicated volunteers.’

Inside the boathouse, His Majesty met Walmer RNLI's recent gallantry service awardees, who were presented with The Thanks of The Institution on Vellum at the RNLI AGM last month. The King also met Launch Authority and Mechanic Tony Evans who has given 50 years’ service, and Helm Andy Howland who has dedicated 30 years to saving lives at sea.   

One of the RNLI’s first female coxswains, Sloane Phillips from Hastings, now navigator and crew, and Ramsgate’s youngest coxswain, Becky Cannon, also attended with fellow volunteers from their lifeboat stations. Neighbouring operational crew and fundraisers from Rye Harbour and Margate were also present, representing other towns within the Confederation of Cinque Ports.  

The visit ended with an ‘emergency’ when His Majesty was shown what happens when the pager sounds as Walmer’s crew simulated a launch of their inshore lifeboat to the delight of the children from The Downs Church of England Primary School watching on.  

The King has a long history with the RNLI dating back to 7 July 1964 when, as the then Prince of Wales, His Royal Highness accompanied The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and HRH The Princess Royal to Cowes on the Isle of Wight to observe the sea trials of a new Waveney class lifeboat.  

This was in fact the second time His Majesty had met with RNLI volunteers in the past week, after volunteers from Campbeltown RNLI were also honoured to meet King Charles III during His Majesty’s visit to the town on Thursday 3 July.

Last week’s visit came as part of Royal Week in Scotland, where Their Majesties take time to celebrate Scottish culture, community and achievements, and to pay recognition to people’s great work.

RNLI representatives who had the opportunity to meet His Majesty at the Campbeltown ferry terminal included full-time Coxswain Ruaridh McAulay and volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager, David Conner. His Majesty also met the RNLI crew who bought the station’s Severn class lifeboat, RNLB Ernest and Mary Shaw, alongside the quay to be part of the special occasion. 

Royal Week also saw RNLI volunteers joining Their Majesties at the Palace of Holyroodhouse for the annual garden party on Tuesday 1 July. Each year, RNLI volunteers are nominated to attend this special event and this year, Joanna Stebbings, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Loch Ness RNLI, Juliet Blackie from the RNLI shop in Mallaig, and Fiona Campbell, one of the RNLI fundraisers in Oban, were recognised for their outstanding service to the charity.  

Our thanks go to all the volunteers and staff who gave their time and expertise to help organise and attend these important events.