Latest news with #HMSBronington
The Independent
26-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Regional journalists use palace reception to stress importance of local news
Veteran local news reporters have used a royal reception to make the case to the King for regional journalism's survival. The King and Queen hosted 400 guests from various UK news organisations at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday to show support for local news. Charles was welcomed by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and a gathering of leading media professionals, including Tony James, 89, thought to be the UK's oldest working journalist. Mr James, who still writes for the West Somerset Free Press, told the King that local journalism – despite its struggles to stay relevant and profitable in the online world – remains 'very valuable'. He added: 'Print journalism is being phased out – it's been destroyed by digital, which is a great shame.' Some 293 local newspapers closed down between 2005 and 2024, according to research from the Press Gazette. BBC presenter Sally Taylor, 69, the longest-serving female presenter at the corporation, sparked laughter with a remark about her decades on screen. Ms Taylor, who has presented BBC South Today for nearly 40 years, said: 'It was lovely talking with the King. 'We shared a good joke – I said, 'Forty years, not bad for an old bird,' and he laughed.' ITV News producer Rob McNulty showed the King rare footage from nearly 50 years ago of Charles bringing HMS Bronington into Workington Harbour. Mr McNulty, 49, unearthed the reels from the University of Cumbria's archive. He said: 'I had the video teed up on my phone, ready in my pocket. I wasn't sure if you're supposed to get your phone out — but he didn't object. 'He remembered the visit and even recalled going to the Workington Working Men's Club. It was a great moment.' Charles, who has been an honorary life member of the London Press Club since 1978, told those gathered: 'I have long believed that regional media, in all its forms, has a unique and vital role to play in society, perhaps even more so in these uncertain times.' He recalled his speech in 2002, marking the 300th anniversary of Britain's first daily national newspaper, in which he said the press, alongside other long-standing institutions, were at the forefront of 'defining, describing and celebrating the more profound values of our nation'. 'Two decades on, when too much focus is given to that which divides us, that role for your whole industry is more important than ever – and it starts from the ground up, at local level, in your hands', he said. 'Your reporting, and the work of all those who support you, helps amplify and reaffirm the rights and responsibilities we all share. 'It shines a light in dark corners, exposing injustice and wrongdoing.' He added: 'Above all, it helps strengthen our communities, in times of joy and at moments of sorrow. 'You won't always get it right: A free media is one that will and does make mistakes, but at its best it is a cornerstone of our democracy.' The King recognised that many outlets have adapted to a changed media landscape that has been affected by 'commercial pressures and changing technologies'. This included by finding ways to engage audiences in 'new and creative' ways. He added: 'It is in everyone's interests that you should succeed. For without a thriving and financially robust regional media, we would all be the poorer.' Camilla is patron of The Journalists' Charity as well as the Guild of St Bride's, which is based at St Bride's Church on Fleet Street and is otherwise known as the journalists' church.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Regional journalists use palace reception to stress importance of local news
Veteran local news reporters have used a royal reception to make the case to the King for regional journalism's survival. The King and Queen hosted 400 guests from various UK news organisations at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday to show support for local news. Charles was welcomed by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and a gathering of leading media professionals, including Tony James, 89, thought to be the UK's oldest working journalist. Mr James, who still writes for the West Somerset Free Press, told the King that local journalism – despite its struggles to stay relevant and profitable in the online world – remains 'very valuable'. He added: 'Print journalism is being phased out – it's been destroyed by digital, which is a great shame.' Some 293 local newspapers closed down between 2005 and 2024, according to research from the Press Gazette. BBC presenter Sally Taylor, 69, the longest-serving female presenter at the corporation, sparked laughter with a remark about her decades on screen. Ms Taylor, who has presented BBC South Today for nearly 40 years, said: 'It was lovely talking with the King. 'We shared a good joke – I said, 'Forty years, not bad for an old bird,' and he laughed.' ITV News producer Rob McNulty showed the King rare footage from nearly 50 years ago of Charles bringing HMS Bronington into Workington Harbour. Mr McNulty, 49, unearthed the reels from the University of Cumbria's archive. He said: 'I had the video teed up on my phone, ready in my pocket. I wasn't sure if you're supposed to get your phone out — but he didn't object. 'He remembered the visit and even recalled going to the Workington Working Men's Club. It was a great moment.' Charles, who has been an honorary life member of the London Press Club since 1978, told those gathered: 'I have long believed that regional media, in all its forms, has a unique and vital role to play in society, perhaps even more so in these uncertain times.' He recalled his speech in 2002, marking the 300th anniversary of Britain's first daily national newspaper, in which he said the press, alongside other long-standing institutions, were at the forefront of 'defining, describing and celebrating the more profound values of our nation'. 'Two decades on, when too much focus is given to that which divides us, that role for your whole industry is more important than ever – and it starts from the ground up, at local level, in your hands', he said. 'Your reporting, and the work of all those who support you, helps amplify and reaffirm the rights and responsibilities we all share. 'It shines a light in dark corners, exposing injustice and wrongdoing.' He added: 'Above all, it helps strengthen our communities, in times of joy and at moments of sorrow. 'You won't always get it right: A free media is one that will and does make mistakes, but at its best it is a cornerstone of our democracy.' The King recognised that many outlets have adapted to a changed media landscape that has been affected by 'commercial pressures and changing technologies'. This included by finding ways to engage audiences in 'new and creative' ways. He added: 'It is in everyone's interests that you should succeed. For without a thriving and financially robust regional media, we would all be the poorer.' Camilla is patron of The Journalists' Charity as well as the Guild of St Bride's, which is based at St Bride's Church on Fleet Street and is otherwise known as the journalists' church.
Telegraph
04-03-2025
- General
- Telegraph
King makes rare trip to Royal Navy warship at sea
The King recalled his 'formative and fondest memories' of his naval service as he became the first monarch to visit a Royal Navy warship at sea in almost 40 years. His Majesty flew by helicopter to HMS Prince of Wales in the Channel as it prepared for a major deployment to Japan. The King told sailors gathered in the hangar that he took 'immense pride' in all who had brought the vessel to life 'with such indomitable spirit' and spoke of his 'enduring respect' for the Navy. As Prince of Wales, the King served with the Royal Navy from 1971 until 1976, rising to command minesweeper HMS Bronington before returning to royal duties. 'My own time at sea… remains one of the most formative, and fondest, experiences of my life,' the King said, adding that he could still 'vividly recall' his first deck landings on HMS Hermes, moments which left 'an indelible impression'. To mark the visit, Buckingham Palace released black and white photographs of the monarch, then Prince Charles, in 1977, when he flew in a Buccaneer jet to HMS Ark Royal. The King first visited HMS Prince of Wales in June 2016, while it was under construction at Rosyth Dockyard. He accompanied the Queen when she officially named the vessel the following September and again when it was formally commissioned in 2019. On Tuesday, the monarch was shown around the 65,000-tonne ship before watching as F-35B fighter jets carried out landing exercises on the deck of the Portsmouth-based carrier. He visited in his role as the Honorary Commodore-in-Chief Aircraft Carriers, the first reigning monarch to visit a Royal Navy warship at sea since Elizabeth II made the short trip from Rosyth to Leith on minehunter HMS Brocklesby in 1988. The trip came during the closing stages of crew's intensive training before setting sail for Japan in April on a mission to deepen the UK's defence partnerships and promote security and stability. The King told personnel gathered in the hangar: 'As you prepare to set sail as the flagship of the UK Carrier Strike Group, building on the success of HMS Queen Elizabeth's inaugural deployment in 2021, I just wanted to express, on behalf of the nation, my heartfelt gratitude for the extraordinarily valuable contributions and personal sacrifices that you and your families continue to make in the name of duty. 'I can sense the anticipation and excitement amongst many of you today for what lies ahead over the next eight months and all I can say is I will be watching your progress with great interest.' The monarch arrived from Sandringham by Royal Navy Merlin helicopter and was joined aboard by Admiral Sir Ben Key, the First Sea Lord and head of the Royal Navy, and Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, the chief of the Royal Air Force. Capt Will Blackett, HMS Prince of Wales's commanding officer, said: 'It was a great honour to host His Majesty onboard today. I was able to show him first hand that HMS Prince of Wales is at high readiness, standing by to deliver for the UK when ordered. 'His visit was a great source of morale for my excellent ship's company and we look forward to doing him proud in all our endeavours this year.'
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
King makes rare trip to Royal Navy warship at sea
The King recalled his 'formative and fondest memories' of his naval service as he became the first monarch to visit a Royal Navy warship at sea in almost 40 years. His Majesty flew by helicopter to HMS Prince of Wales in the Channel as it prepared for a major deployment to Japan. The King told sailors gathered in the hangar that he took 'immense pride' in all who had brought the vessel to life 'with such indomitable spirit' and spoke of his 'enduring respect' for the Navy. As Prince of Wales, the King served with the Royal Navy from 1971 until 1976, rising to command minesweeper HMS Bronington before returning to royal duties. 'My own time at sea… remains one of the most formative, and fondest, experiences of my life,' the King said, adding that he could still 'vividly recall' his first deck landings on HMS Hermes, moments which left 'an indelible impression'. To mark the visit, Buckingham Palace released black and white photographs of the monarch, then Prince Charles, in 1977, when he flew in a Buccaneer jet to HMS Ark Royal. The King first visited HMS Prince of Wales in June 2016, while it was under construction at Rosyth Dockyard. He accompanied the Queen when she officially named the vessel the following September and again when it was formally commissioned in 2019. On Tuesday, the monarch was shown around the 65,000-tonne ship before watching as F-35B fighter jets carried out landing exercises on the deck of the Portsmouth-based carrier. He visited in his role as the Honorary Commodore-in-Chief Aircraft Carriers, the first reigning monarch to visit a Royal Navy warship at sea since Elizabeth II made the short trip from Rosyth to Leith on minehunter HMS Brocklesby in 1988. The trip came during the closing stages of crew's intensive training before setting sail for Japan in April on a mission to deepen the UK's defence partnerships and promote security and stability. The King told personnel gathered in the hangar: 'As you prepare to set sail as the flagship of the UK Carrier Strike Group, building on the success of HMS Queen Elizabeth's inaugural deployment in 2021, I just wanted to express, on behalf of the nation, my heartfelt gratitude for the extraordinarily valuable contributions and personal sacrifices that you and your families continue to make in the name of duty. 'I can sense the anticipation and excitement amongst many of you today for what lies ahead over the next eight months and all I can say is I will be watching your progress with great interest.' The monarch arrived from Sandringham by Royal Navy Merlin helicopter and was joined aboard by Admiral Sir Ben Key, the First Sea Lord and head of the Royal Navy, and Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, the chief of the Royal Air Force. Capt Will Blackett, HMS Prince of Wales's commanding officer, said: 'It was a great honour to host His Majesty onboard today. I was able to show him first hand that HMS Prince of Wales is at high readiness, standing by to deliver for the UK when ordered. 'His visit was a great source of morale for my excellent ship's company and we look forward to doing him proud in all our endeavours this year.'
