Her Royal Highness fulfills several significant roles within the Navy, serving as the Royal Sponsor of Plymouth-based assault ship HMS Albion, Commodore-in-Chief of Portsmouth Naval Base, and Chief Commandant of Women in the Royal Navy, among other enduring connections with the Senior Service.
In her capacity as the Ship’s Sponsor, The Princess Royal will partake in pivotal events in HMS Venturer’s journey, such as the naming and commissioning ceremonies, and will stay informed about the ship’s activities and the endeavors of the over 100 men and women aboard.
During her visit today, as construction of the frigate is still ongoing, the ship’s crew received an introduction to their new sponsor as The Princess Royal toured both the construction area and HMS Venturer herself.
The frigate, which is in the midst of construction, has much of its hull and superstructure already built within a spacious, cutting-edge assembly facility where Babcock, a defense company, is constructing all five vessels in the Type 31 Inspiration class.
Once finalized, Venturer and her sister ships will undertake a variety of tasks globally, from independent maritime security patrols to accompanying the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier strike groups and collaborating with the UK’s allies and partners.
To conclude the visit, Her Royal Highness awarded two Long Service and Good Conduct Medals to two members of HMS Venturer’s crew, including Leading Hand Adam Duncan, the newest and most junior member of the ship.