Image: MOD Crown Copyright 2022. Credit: Lee Blease
Three days after the funeral of HM The Queen, the Princess Royal thanked Royal Navy personnel who were on duty in London. The Princess, who has been Chief Commandant for women in the RN since 1974, visited HMS King Alfred in HMNB Portsmouth. During her visit she thanked personnel who were on duty for her mother’s funeral on Monday. The royal, who is Commodore-in-Chief of HMNB Portsmouth, greeted those involved in the heartfelt ceremony which saw Her Majesty laid to her final resting place in Windsor. Anne smiled as she met the personnel who took part in her mother’s funeral, donning a black blazer over a white blouse, accessorised with a navy neck scarf.
“I was fortunate to share the last 24 hours of my dearest Mother’s life. It has been an honour and a privilege to accompany her on her final journeys. Witnessing the love and respect shown by so many on these journeys has been both humbling and uplifting” – Princess Anne paying tribute to her late mother.
“I was really honoured to be involved in carrying the gun carriage, I don’t think there’s a more personal part to have played. Everyone had a sense of purpose and put all their effort in.” – Leading Engineering Technician Benjamin Tetley who was one of the 142 sailors responsible for pulling the gun carriage.