Monarch hosts private reception for hundreds of comrades from naval career
King Charles is welcoming around 400 guests from his Royal Navy days to a private reception at Buckingham Palace this afternoon, celebrating decades of camaraderie.
The gathering includes former shipmates and their partners from nine vessels on which the King served, including HMS Bronington, Jupiter, Norfolk, Hermione, Minerva, Hermes, Dryad, Fox, and Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth. Fellow aviators from the 845 Naval Air Squadron and the Fleet Air Arm are also in attendance.
Representatives from several naval organisations under the King's patronage, including HMY Britannia, The White Ensign Association, The Royal Navy Club of 1765 and 1785, The Royal Naval Benevolent Trust, and the Association of Royal Naval Officers, have also joined the event.
An aide told GB News that the King was "greatly looking forward to seeing his old shipmates and no doubt sharing a few salty tales on the trip down memory sea-lane."
The aide added that His Majesty was especially grateful for their "continued loyalty, laughter and support over the decades" and looked forward to hearing about their life journeys.
The reception carries added significance as it coincides with the approach of the 50th anniversary of The King’s Trust.
