HRH The Princess Royal speaking to crew members from Ramsgate RNLI Photo: Credit: RNLI/Edward Thompson
The Ramsgate RNLI Lifeboat Station was buzzing with excitement on Wednesday, 11 September 2024.
Estuary Services Ltd had requested the use of their pontoon and station for a very special occasion: the naming ceremony of their newest pilot boat, the ‘Estuary Elise’. And who better to do the honours than Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal herself?
Upon arrival, The Princess Royal was greeted by a star-studded lineup of local dignitaries. His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Kent, The Lady Colgrain, led the welcoming committee, which included the High Sheriff of Kent, Dr. Gillian Fargher, and a host of other notable figures such as the Chairman of Kent County Council, Mr. Bryan Sweetland, and the Mayor of Ramsgate, Cllr. Pat Moore.
The Princess Royal was then whisked away to the gleaming new pilot vessel, the Estuary Elise. She was given a grand tour of the boat’s controls, showcasing the finest in English engineering. The staff and crew of Estuary Services, along with representatives from the Port of London Authority, were on hand to meet her.
After a few warm words of welcome, it was time for the main event. With a bottle of champagne in hand, The Princess Royal performed the traditional maritime ritual, offering a toast to the sea and wind gods as she christened the Estuary Elise. The crowd cheered as the champagne splashed against the hull, marking the boat’s official entry into service.
The celebration then moved to the nearby Royal Temple Yacht Club. There, Commodore Mrs. Karen Cox and Vice Commodore Mrs. Judy Pearson-Parish were introduced to The Princess Royal by Mr. Robert Brown. The festivities continued in the dining room with a reception fit for royalty.
During the reception, five dedicated volunteers from Ramsgate RNLI had the honour of meeting Her Royal Highness. Among them were Jason Parrott, the organiser of the Ramsgate RNLI Junior Fishing Competition, and Becky Cannon, the youngest female RNLI coxswain. Also present were volunteer crewmembers Jodie Winch and Maz Critchley, and volunteer shop manager Margaret Wright. It was a day they would never forget.