RNLI volunteers proudly welcomed King Charles III to RNLI Walmer Lifeboat Station on July 10, marking His Majesty’s first official RNLI engagement since becoming their Patron last year.
The King was welcomed by volunteer Lifeboat Operations Manager Denis Brophy, MBE. Denis has volunteered with the RNLI since 1967, and had the privilege of introducing His Majesty to other dedicated RNLI volunteers including crew from neighbouring lifeboat stations, Rye Harbour, Margate, Hastings and Ramsgate.
Mark Stephenson, Lifeboat Operations Manager, was chosen to represent Rye Harbour: “I was honoured to be asked to go to Walmer to meet our Patron. It was an incredible day and one I shall remember for a long time. I chose Vicky Thompson to accompany me because she always goes above and beyond and does everything with such a good spirit and she is the longest serving fundraiser at the station.”
Vicky tells us of her experience: “It was an unexpected honour to be asked to go to Walmer and it was an amazing day, one I will never forget. His Majesty the King asked me what I did and I replied, ‘I am a fundraiser.’ He then leaned forward and said, ‘And how much funding do we need to keep the boat afloat?’ I leaned forward and replied, ‘As much as possible!!’ He roared with laughter and went on to greet the next person. I found him easy to talk to and it was lovely the way he talked to everyone.”
Image Credits: Kt bruce .