His involvement dates back to the opening of the first RNLI office in Poole in 1976 and includes attending the naming ceremony of an all-weather lifeboat dedicated to him in 2005.
In 1970, soon after assuming the role of President following his parents’ reign, The Duke of Kent traveled to Fraserburgh in the aftermath of a tragic lifeboat incident that claimed the lives of five crew members on the RNLB Duchess of Kent.
Leading a procession of around 10,000 mourners, he met with the bereaved families, attended the funerals, and paid his respects.
Today marks The Duke's 55th anniversary as the RNLI President, retracing his steps to commemorate this significant milestone.
In a recent announcement, the RNLI proudly revealed that The King is set to become the charity's new Patron, succeeding Queen Elizabeth II and continuing the 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 royal patronage, featuring The King’s Crown emblem.
He met with the families of the crew members who lost their lives in the tragedy of 1970, as well as survivors and former crew members from that fateful day.
Recognizing the bravery of today's lifesavers in Fraserburgh, The Duke awarded Chair Letters of Thanks to Coxswain Ethan Harris and crew members Stephen Brown and Shane Richardson, alongside a Chief Executive’s Commendation to Davy Sutherland for their roles in a recent rescue operation.
Before concluding his visit, The Duke of Kent, accompanied by Pat Owen, the lone surviving widow of the 1970 disaster, laid a wreath at the remembrance statue, with pipers playing a lament as a tribute to the fallen heroes.