A volunteer from Cowes RNLI lifeboat station has shared his memories of meeting the Queen as Her Majesty’s 90th birthday celebrations get into full swing.
Since becoming the charity’s Patron 64 years ago, in 1952, the Queen has had a lot of involvement with the RNLI, including visiting the Isle of Wight in 2012 where she opened Cowes Lifeboat Station and met the crew.
Mark Southwell, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Cowes, who hosted the Queen when she opened Cowes Station as the last engagement of her Jubilee tour, remembers the event…
“A cracking day where the sun shone from dawn to dusk and everything looked amazing, including Cowes itself, which looked a million dollars”.
Mark had everyone in stitches, even the Queen herself was laughing, when his speech was interrupted by a passing ferry playing ‘Rule Britannia’. Mark said:
“When you speak to the Queen, she’s genuinely interested in what you’re saying and makes you feel relaxed. Overall, the general pleasantness, cheeriness and happiness is what made the day really special, it wasn’t the stuffy, formal thing I’d imagined it would be, it was really nice”.
RNLI Chairman Charles Hunter-Pease said:
“The respect, fondness and admiration that our lifeboat crews have for our Patron is incredibly apparent. If you look at any photos of the Queen’s visits to our stations, all of the lifeboat crew and supporters that she meets are beaming from ear to ear. It is a hugely special moment to have your hard work and dedication recognised in that way. We are extremely appreciative of all the Queen’s support over the years”.
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The RNLI have selected some of their favourite photographs and memories from when volunteers have met the Queen over the years to celebrate her 64 years of support for their volunteers.
Featured photo: RNLI
