Event hosted by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, with celebrated historian, Dan Snow MBE giving the keynote speech.
At the Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich; the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) and the White Ensign Association (WEA) commemorated the victory at the Battle of Trafalgar and the death of Lord Nelson at a dinner hosted by the Patron of the RNRMC, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, with celebrated historian, Dan Snow MBE giving the keynote speech.
Over 300 guests attended this special event including the Chief of Defence Staff and event headline sponsors; BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, Babcock International and Capita. Guests enjoyed ‘Parading of the Beef’ and chocolate ’Ships of the Line’ as well as witnessing mess beatings by the Corps of Drums from the Royal Marine Band Service and the singing of sea shanties.
Andrew Jameson, Chief Executive of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, said: “Iconic surroundings steeped in tradition is an extremely fitting way to commemorate this most famous Naval battle 218 years later. As the Principal Charity for the Royal Navy we were honoured by the presence our Patron HRH The Princess Royal and very proud to co-host this event with our close friends and colleagues at The White Ensign Association.
“Both organisations share the same ambition to recognise the service of our sailors and marines, and one hopes that if Nelson knew today’s Navy he would be immensely proud of how its capabilities have evolved. We are privileged to be able to support the formidable force it is today.”
Stuart Wright, Chief Executive of the White Ensign Association said: “There is no more fitting place to commemorate the exploits of Admiral Lord Nelson two centuries ago than where he lay in state after the Battle of Trafalgar. Nelson was known for caring about the welfare of those under his command and the WEA and our co-hosts in the RNRMC are inspired by that example in the support we provide to all those in today’s naval community.
“The generosity of grants from the RNRMC helps the WEA in its work assisting all who serve or have served in the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Fleet Auxiliary, and their families. It is therefore a privilege to co-host this event with the RNRMC in the presence of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal and we are most grateful to all our event sponsors for helping to make it possible.”