The Royal couple arrive back at yacht Britannia after tour
THE Royal couple arrive back at the yacht Britannia after a day touring the region. The Queen is escorted by the Lord Lieutenant of Humberside, Tony Bethell, as she arrives at the Royal yacht Britannia on King George Dock at the end of one of their royal visits. Naturally, she is given a guard of honour by pupils from the Trinity House School.
As the day was drawing to a close, number 7 quay at the King George Dock hosted an immaculate and gleaming Royal Yacht Britannia, decorated in flags and with an air of grace that only the recently re-fitted, 40 year old Royal ship could emanate.
Returning from their visits, the Royal couple were welcomed aboard by a guard of honour from the Trinity House School, with pupils in their maritime dress uniforms.
As the police underwater unit was helping provide security to the well-guarded yacht, the royal couple made quick changes to their outfits as the last minute preparations were being made for the onboard evening reception for over 200 invited guests.
The reception was the first official engagement for the new Mayor of Holderness, Coun. Jack Gledhill.
“We are a bit nervous but we are looking forward to it” said Councillor Gledhill who was attending with his wife, Doreen.
Gradually the quayside began to fill up with MPS, local businessmen, civic leaders as well as other prominent members of the community.
There was a strange mix as sportsmen mixed with vicars and prison governors met newspaper editors as a loose queue formed.
Then it was time for the snaking line to make its way forward, up the gangplank and red carpet to meet the royal couple and then enjoy a glittering event.
It lasted for about an hour before the guests started to line up around the yacht’s railings, then a cheer from the roughly 500
dockside spectators rose as the royals appeared, first the Duke then the Queen.
They were all taking their place to watch and listen as the Band of the Royal Marines ‘Beating the Retreat.’
After a rousing selection of martial music the 30 strong band finished with Land of Hope and Glory, Rule Britannia and God Save The Queen.
For passengers on the passing North Sea Ferry, it was a wonderful sight.
With gangplank stowed, Britannia slipped her mooring as the Queen made her final appearance to give a wave to the quayside crowds.