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Duke and Duchess of Devonshire visit RNLI Eastbourne

Lifeboats News Release

The Duke and Duchess of Devonshire were welcomed to Eastbourne all-weather lifeboat station on Wednesday (26 April) to meet the volunteer crew, station officials and fundraisers.

Group photo

RNLI/Bob Jeffery

Group photo aboard Diamond Jubilee
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During their visit the couple were briefed on how the station operates and the vital role the volunteer crew play in helping to save lives at sea. After a tour of the station they enjoyed a trip on the station’s all-weather lifeboat Diamond Jubilee to Beachy Head. During the trip both the Duke and Duchess took the helm and were obviously overjoyed with the experience. On their return to station the Duchess complemented the crew on the exceptional condition of Diamond Jubilee and confirmed how proud the whole town is that their contributions has resulted in having such a magnificent vessel to protect local mariners. The afternoon was topped off with homemade cakes served in the lifeboat station at Sovereign Harbour.
Duke and Duchess aboard Diamond Jubilee with Coxswain Mark Sawyer at Beachy Head

RNLI/Bob Jeffery

Duke and Duchess aboard Diamond Jubilee at Beachy Head
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Duke of Dervonshire at the helm

RNLI/Bob Jeffery

Duke of Devonshire at the helm
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Duchess of Devonshire takes the helm of Diamond Jubilee

RNLI/Bob Jeffery

Duchess at the helm at 20 knots!
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Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.

About the author

Bob Jeffery volunteer Press Officer Eastbourne Lifeboats

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