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A volunteer from St Peter Port RNLI lifeboat station has shared his memories of meeting the Queen as Her Majesty’s 90th birthday celebrations get into full swing. Since becoming the charity’s Patron, 64 years ago in 1952, the Queen has had a lot of involvement with the RNLI, including visiting Guernsey twice where she was introduced to the St Peter Port RNLI crew.
RNLI Chairman Charles Hunter-Pease said: "The respect, fondness and admiration that our lifeboat crews have for our Patron is incredibly apparent. If you look at any photos of the Queen’s visits to our stations, all of the lifeboat crew and supporters that she meets are beaming from ear to ear. It is a hugely special moment to have your hard work and dedication recognised in that way. We are extremely appreciative of all the Queen’s support over the years."
The RNLI have selected some of their favourite photographs and memories from when volunteers have met the Queen over the years to celebrate her 64 years of support for their volunteers.
John Webster, a former crew member at St Peter Port, has met the Queen twice during his lifeboat career, with the first time being back in 1978.
Mr Webester said: "The Queen had come across with Prince Philip on the ‘HMS Britannia’ which was moored up outside the harbour. I was 28 at the time so quite young and new to the crew. It was exciting to be a part of the crew and even more exciting to be told that I’d be meeting the Queen as not everybody gets that opportunity. We all lined up at the end of the harbour and Her Majesty was introduced to every one of us before boarding the ‘HMS Britannia.’ I found her very relaxed and happy to talk to anyone. It was a great honour and I was incredibly proud."
