Duke of Kent presented with certificate to mark 50 years as President of RNLI
His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent KG has been presented with The Institution’s Thanks on Vellum to mark five decades as President of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).
On Tuesday 10 December, The Duke of Kent was presented with a certificate to mark His Royal Highness’ service and dedication to the charity since 1969, when The Duke assumed the role from his mother, Her Royal Highness Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent. The Duke of Kent regularly visits lifeboat stations in support of the 24/7 search and rescue service and has given of His Royal Highness’ time unstintingly over 50 years of service.
RNLI Chair, Stuart Popham, and RNLI Chief Executive, Mark Dowie, visited St. James’ Palace yesterday to present the Duke of Kent with the certificate signed by Her Majesty The Queen.
Mark Dowie commended The Duke’s ambassadorial work with the charity:
'His Royal Highness has shown unwavering support for the RNLI in the past 50 years. He has visited almost all of the RNLI lifeboat stations around the coasts of the UK and Republic of Ireland and has attended many RNLI events, thanking thousands of crew members, fundraisers, supporters and staff. It was a great honour to present The Duke with the certificate and we remain very grateful for his support and dedication to our lifesaving charity.’
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.