His involvement with the organization began in 1976 with the opening of the first RNLI office in Poole and continued with the naming ceremony of a lifeboat in his honor in 2005.
In 1970, shortly after assuming the role of President from both his father and mother, The Duke of Kent traveled to Fraserburgh following a tragic lifeboat incident where five crew members aboard the RNLB Duchess of Kent lost their lives at sea.
He led a procession of approximately 10,000 mourners, met with the families of the deceased, and attended their funeral to pay his respects.
Today marks his 55th anniversary as President of the RNLI.
In a recent announcement, the RNLI proudly revealed that The King will now serve as the charity's new Patron, succeeding Queen Elizabeth II in continuing the longstanding tradition of royal patronage.
During his visit to Fraserburgh, The Duke of Kent presented the lifeboat station with the inaugural house flag under the new patronage, featuring The King’s Crown.
He took the time to meet with the families of the deceased crew members from the 1970 tragedy and also interacted with former crew members who had served alongside those lost.
Recognizing the bravery and dedication of Fraserburgh's current lifesavers, The Duke honored Coxswain Ethan Harris and crew members Stephen Brown and Shane Richardson with Chair Letters of Thanks, as well as commended Davy Sutherland with a Chief Executive’s Commendation for their role in a recent rescue operation.
Before departing, The Duke of Kent, alongside the last surviving widow of the 1970 Fraserburgh disaster, laid a wreath at the remembrance statue while being accompanied by the poignant sounds of pipers playing a lament in tribute to the fallen heroes.