Latest news with #Bronington
Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- General
- Glasgow Times
King reunites with old Royal Navy shipmates for trip down ‘memory sea-lane'
The special private reception, staged for the King's fellow sailors, was staged following a personal request from Charles, who funded the event himself. The 76-year-old monarch, who served in the Royal Navy between 1971 and 1976, was said to be 'greatly looking forward' to the catch-up with his former comrades and has been 'grateful for their continued loyalty, laughter and support' over the years. The then-Prince of Wales serving as a Sub-Lieutenant on the bridge of the frigate Minerva before routine patrols around the West Indies in 1973 (PA) An aide to the King said: 'His Majesty was greatly looking forward to seeing his old shipmates and no doubt sharing a few salty tales on the trip down memory sea-lane. 'He is most grateful for their continued loyalty, laughter and support over the decades, and looked forward to hearing where life's journeys had taken them all.' Some 400 guests gathered with the King, who is now Head of the Armed Forces, in the royal residence, including his former mates, and their partners, from HM Ships Bronington, Jupiter, Norfolk, Hermione, Minerva, Hermes, Dryad, Fox, and the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth. The King visiting HMS Prince of Wales in March as the Royal Navy finalised preparations for a major global deployment to the Indo-Pacific (PO Phot Rory Arnold/MoD/PA) After passing out at RAF Cranwell, the young Prince of Wales began his naval career as a 22-year-old acting sub-lieutenant when he joined an accelerated graduates course at Britannia Royal Naval College in 1971. Two months later, he was posted to the guided missile destroyer HMS Norfolk, and then to the frigates HMS Minerva and HMS Jupiter. In 1974, the future King qualified as a helicopter pilot, and he flew with 845 Naval Air Squadron from the commando aircraft carrier HMS Hermes. The then-Prince of Wales demonstrates his flying skills at the International Air Day at the Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose in 1975 (PA) In 1976, Charles took on his final post with the Royal Navy, becoming the Commanding Officer of Ton-class minesweeper HMS Bronington. His active naval career ended in December 1976, with the rank of Commander. Fellow aviators drawn from 845 Naval Air Squadron and across the Fleet Air Arm were also among the guests, as were contingents from HMY Britannia and the King's Navy-related patronages, The White Ensign Association, The Royal Navy Club of 1765 and 1785, The Royal Naval Benevolent Trust and the Association of Royal Naval Officers. The Prince of Wales acts as guide for his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, during her visit to HMS Norfolk in 1972 (PA) Charles set up his youth charity, The King's Trust, formerly known as The Prince's Trust, with his Navy severance pay nearly 50 years ago, and the King's aide said the reception was 'a timely opportunity to reflect on what great things have sprung from those formative years'. No media were present for the private get-together. The aide said: 'As we approach the 50th anniversary of The King's Trust, which was initially funded with His Majesty's £7,400 severance pay from the Navy, it was a timely opportunity to reflect on what great things have sprung from those formative years – including lifelong friendships and a continued commitment to public service.' Charles as he relinquished command of the minehunter HMS Bronington at the end of his service in the Royal Navy (PA) Charles's shipmates have previously reflected on his seafaring days. Former clearance diver Petty Officer John Friar, who served on HMS Bronington, said the-then Lieutenant Wales was 'without doubt, the best ship handler by far'. He added: 'Believe me, if he had been rubbish, I would say so. 'He was not a good sailor in that he got very seasick, but then again, so did Nelson.'
South Wales Argus
2 days ago
- General
- South Wales Argus
King reunites with old Royal Navy shipmates for trip down ‘memory sea-lane'
The special private reception, staged for the King's fellow sailors, was staged following a personal request from Charles, who funded the event himself. The 76-year-old monarch, who served in the Royal Navy between 1971 and 1976, was said to be 'greatly looking forward' to the catch-up with his former comrades and has been 'grateful for their continued loyalty, laughter and support' over the years. The then-Prince of Wales serving as a Sub-Lieutenant on the bridge of the frigate Minerva before routine patrols around the West Indies in 1973 (PA) An aide to the King said: 'His Majesty was greatly looking forward to seeing his old shipmates and no doubt sharing a few salty tales on the trip down memory sea-lane. 'He is most grateful for their continued loyalty, laughter and support over the decades, and looked forward to hearing where life's journeys had taken them all.' Some 400 guests gathered with the King, who is now Head of the Armed Forces, in the royal residence, including his former mates, and their partners, from HM Ships Bronington, Jupiter, Norfolk, Hermione, Minerva, Hermes, Dryad, Fox, and the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth. The King visiting HMS Prince of Wales in March as the Royal Navy finalised preparations for a major global deployment to the Indo-Pacific (PO Phot Rory Arnold/MoD/PA) After passing out at RAF Cranwell, the young Prince of Wales began his naval career as a 22-year-old acting sub-lieutenant when he joined an accelerated graduates course at Britannia Royal Naval College in 1971. Two months later, he was posted to the guided missile destroyer HMS Norfolk, and then to the frigates HMS Minerva and HMS Jupiter. In 1974, the future King qualified as a helicopter pilot, and he flew with 845 Naval Air Squadron from the commando aircraft carrier HMS Hermes. The then-Prince of Wales demonstrates his flying skills at the International Air Day at the Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose in 1975 (PA) In 1976, Charles took on his final post with the Royal Navy, becoming the Commanding Officer of Ton-class minesweeper HMS Bronington. His active naval career ended in December 1976, with the rank of Commander. Fellow aviators drawn from 845 Naval Air Squadron and across the Fleet Air Arm were also among the guests, as were contingents from HMY Britannia and the King's Navy-related patronages, The White Ensign Association, The Royal Navy Club of 1765 and 1785, The Royal Naval Benevolent Trust and the Association of Royal Naval Officers. The Prince of Wales acts as guide for his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, during her visit to HMS Norfolk in 1972 (PA) Charles set up his youth charity, The King's Trust, formerly known as The Prince's Trust, with his Navy severance pay nearly 50 years ago, and the King's aide said the reception was 'a timely opportunity to reflect on what great things have sprung from those formative years'. No media were present for the private get-together. The aide said: 'As we approach the 50th anniversary of The King's Trust, which was initially funded with His Majesty's £7,400 severance pay from the Navy, it was a timely opportunity to reflect on what great things have sprung from those formative years – including lifelong friendships and a continued commitment to public service.' Charles as he relinquished command of the minehunter HMS Bronington at the end of his service in the Royal Navy (PA) Charles's shipmates have previously reflected on his seafaring days. Former clearance diver Petty Officer John Friar, who served on HMS Bronington, said the-then Lieutenant Wales was 'without doubt, the best ship handler by far'. He added: 'Believe me, if he had been rubbish, I would say so. 'He was not a good sailor in that he got very seasick, but then again, so did Nelson.'
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- General
- The Herald Scotland
King reunites with old Royal Navy shipmates for trip down ‘memory sea-lane'
The 76-year-old monarch, who served in the Royal Navy between 1971 and 1976, was said to be 'greatly looking forward' to the catch-up with his former comrades and has been 'grateful for their continued loyalty, laughter and support' over the years. The then-Prince of Wales serving as a Sub-Lieutenant on the bridge of the frigate Minerva before routine patrols around the West Indies in 1973 (PA) An aide to the King said: 'His Majesty was greatly looking forward to seeing his old shipmates and no doubt sharing a few salty tales on the trip down memory sea-lane. 'He is most grateful for their continued loyalty, laughter and support over the decades, and looked forward to hearing where life's journeys had taken them all.' Some 400 guests gathered with the King, who is now Head of the Armed Forces, in the royal residence, including his former mates, and their partners, from HM Ships Bronington, Jupiter, Norfolk, Hermione, Minerva, Hermes, Dryad, Fox, and the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth. The King visiting HMS Prince of Wales in March as the Royal Navy finalised preparations for a major global deployment to the Indo-Pacific (PO Phot Rory Arnold/MoD/PA) After passing out at RAF Cranwell, the young Prince of Wales began his naval career as a 22-year-old acting sub-lieutenant when he joined an accelerated graduates course at Britannia Royal Naval College in 1971. Two months later, he was posted to the guided missile destroyer HMS Norfolk, and then to the frigates HMS Minerva and HMS Jupiter. In 1974, the future King qualified as a helicopter pilot, and he flew with 845 Naval Air Squadron from the commando aircraft carrier HMS Hermes. The then-Prince of Wales demonstrates his flying skills at the International Air Day at the Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose in 1975 (PA) In 1976, Charles took on his final post with the Royal Navy, becoming the Commanding Officer of Ton-class minesweeper HMS Bronington. His active naval career ended in December 1976, with the rank of Commander. Fellow aviators drawn from 845 Naval Air Squadron and across the Fleet Air Arm were also among the guests, as were contingents from HMY Britannia and the King's Navy-related patronages, The White Ensign Association, The Royal Navy Club of 1765 and 1785, The Royal Naval Benevolent Trust and the Association of Royal Naval Officers. The Prince of Wales acts as guide for his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, during her visit to HMS Norfolk in 1972 (PA) Charles set up his youth charity, The King's Trust, formerly known as The Prince's Trust, with his Navy severance pay nearly 50 years ago, and the King's aide said the reception was 'a timely opportunity to reflect on what great things have sprung from those formative years'. No media were present for the private get-together. The aide said: 'As we approach the 50th anniversary of The King's Trust, which was initially funded with His Majesty's £7,400 severance pay from the Navy, it was a timely opportunity to reflect on what great things have sprung from those formative years – including lifelong friendships and a continued commitment to public service.' Charles as he relinquished command of the minehunter HMS Bronington at the end of his service in the Royal Navy (PA) Charles's shipmates have previously reflected on his seafaring days. Former clearance diver Petty Officer John Friar, who served on HMS Bronington, said the-then Lieutenant Wales was 'without doubt, the best ship handler by far'. He added: 'Believe me, if he had been rubbish, I would say so. 'He was not a good sailor in that he got very seasick, but then again, so did Nelson.'
Western Telegraph
2 days ago
- General
- Western Telegraph
King reunites with old Royal Navy shipmates for trip down ‘memory sea-lane'
The special private reception, staged for the King's fellow sailors, was staged following a personal request from Charles, who funded the event himself. The 76-year-old monarch, who served in the Royal Navy between 1971 and 1976, was said to be 'greatly looking forward' to the catch-up with his former comrades and has been 'grateful for their continued loyalty, laughter and support' over the years. The then-Prince of Wales serving as a Sub-Lieutenant on the bridge of the frigate Minerva before routine patrols around the West Indies in 1973 (PA) An aide to the King said: 'His Majesty was greatly looking forward to seeing his old shipmates and no doubt sharing a few salty tales on the trip down memory sea-lane. 'He is most grateful for their continued loyalty, laughter and support over the decades, and looked forward to hearing where life's journeys had taken them all.' Some 400 guests gathered with the King, who is now Head of the Armed Forces, in the royal residence, including his former mates, and their partners, from HM Ships Bronington, Jupiter, Norfolk, Hermione, Minerva, Hermes, Dryad, Fox, and the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth. The King visiting HMS Prince of Wales in March as the Royal Navy finalised preparations for a major global deployment to the Indo-Pacific (PO Phot Rory Arnold/MoD/PA) After passing out at RAF Cranwell, the young Prince of Wales began his naval career as a 22-year-old acting sub-lieutenant when he joined an accelerated graduates course at Britannia Royal Naval College in 1971. Two months later, he was posted to the guided missile destroyer HMS Norfolk, and then to the frigates HMS Minerva and HMS Jupiter. In 1974, the future King qualified as a helicopter pilot, and he flew with 845 Naval Air Squadron from the commando aircraft carrier HMS Hermes. The then-Prince of Wales demonstrates his flying skills at the International Air Day at the Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose in 1975 (PA) In 1976, Charles took on his final post with the Royal Navy, becoming the Commanding Officer of Ton-class minesweeper HMS Bronington. His active naval career ended in December 1976, with the rank of Commander. Fellow aviators drawn from 845 Naval Air Squadron and across the Fleet Air Arm were also among the guests, as were contingents from HMY Britannia and the King's Navy-related patronages, The White Ensign Association, The Royal Navy Club of 1765 and 1785, The Royal Naval Benevolent Trust and the Association of Royal Naval Officers. The Prince of Wales acts as guide for his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, during her visit to HMS Norfolk in 1972 (PA) Charles set up his youth charity, The King's Trust, formerly known as The Prince's Trust, with his Navy severance pay nearly 50 years ago, and the King's aide said the reception was 'a timely opportunity to reflect on what great things have sprung from those formative years'. No media were present for the private get-together. The aide said: 'As we approach the 50th anniversary of The King's Trust, which was initially funded with His Majesty's £7,400 severance pay from the Navy, it was a timely opportunity to reflect on what great things have sprung from those formative years – including lifelong friendships and a continued commitment to public service.' Charles as he relinquished command of the minehunter HMS Bronington at the end of his service in the Royal Navy (PA) Charles's shipmates have previously reflected on his seafaring days. Former clearance diver Petty Officer John Friar, who served on HMS Bronington, said the-then Lieutenant Wales was 'without doubt, the best ship handler by far'. He added: 'Believe me, if he had been rubbish, I would say so. 'He was not a good sailor in that he got very seasick, but then again, so did Nelson.'
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
King Charles has special reunion with old pals as he hosts private Palace party
King Charles, who is now the armed foreces Commander in Chief, held a special private reception at Buckingham Palace today for his old shipmates who he served with in the Royal Navy The King has welcomed to Buckingham Palace his old shipmates to celebrate their time in the Royal Navy. The special private reception for 400 guests organised by the King included previous shipmates and their partners from H.M. Ships Bronington, Jupiter, Norfolk, Hermione, Minerva, Hermes, Dryad, Fox, and Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth. Charles also invited fellow aviators drawn from 845 Naval Air Squadron and across the Fleet Air Arm and a contingent of from H.M.Y. Britannia and representatives from HMK's patronages The White Ensign Association, The Royal Navy Club of 1765 and 1785, The Royal Naval Benevolent Trust and the Association of Royal Naval Officers. This event was a personal request from the King and unusually funded by himself privately, with no media present. The King served in both the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force in the 1970s and since leaving active service has maintained a close relationship with the armed forces. As monarch he is now its Commander in Chief. He served in the Royal Navy between 1971 and 1976 – rising from rookie sub-lieutenant fresh out of Britannia to command of a minesweeper. On the eve of the King's Coronation in 2023, those who served with the then (Sub) Lieutenant Wales shared their memories, calling him: "A fine leader filled with humanity, humour and a keen sense of duty." The then Prince of Wales also tried his hand at submarine escape, qualified as a helicopter pilot, took on some of the Royal Marines' commando training and earned his spurs as a ship handler. He also represented the late Queen Elizabeth II abroad on official duties while still serving. Former clearance diver Petty Officer John Friar served in seven ships, five of them small Ton-class minesweepers, including HMS Bronington which the future monarch commanded for most of 1976. Before the King's Coronation, he told Forces News how the former Lieutenant Wales was "without doubt, the best ship handler by far. Believe me, if he had been rubbish, I would say so. He was not a good sailor in that he got very seasick, but then again, so did Nelson." Lieutenant Roy Clare, the future captain of HMS Invincible and rear admiral, served as Bronington's second-in-command, and the then Prince Charles' right-hand man. He also described the King as "a model of leadership". He told the newspaper: "He was apt to go around the ship, talk to people, hear their stories, share moments with them – as a good commanding officer should. "He was a good leader, really good at understanding that it's not about 'top down and telling', but listening, helping people to be the strongest they can." Before the party, an aide to The King said: "His Majesty was greatly looking forward to seeing his old shipmates and no doubt sharing a few salty tales on the trip down memory sea-lane. "He is most grateful for their continued loyalty, laughter and support over the decades, and looked forward to hearing where life's journeys had taken them all. "As we approach the 50th anniversary of The King's Trust, which was initially funded with His Majesty's £7,400 severance pay from the Navy, it was a timely opportunity to reflect on what great things have sprung from those formative years – including lifelong friendships and a continued commitment to public service."
