The Royal Navy played a lead role in helping one the world’s most prestigious yacht clubs celebrate its 200th anniversary.
Type 23 frigate HMS Northumberland provided a backdrop for four days of festivities at the Royal Yacht Squadron at Cowes, Isle of Wight, while patrol vessels HMS Ranger and Smiter hosted members of the Royal family for a spectacular fleet review.
The Duke of Edinburgh – accompanied by First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir George Zambellas – was on board HMS Ranger while he conducted a review of 200 vessels owned by Squadron members off Cowes.
HMS Smiter followed close behind with Prince Michael of Kent and Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral Sir Jonathon Woodcock embarked.
For Northumberland the celebrations began with a reception and capability demonstration on board hosted by the Second Sea Lord.
On Friday evening The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Collingwood performed a Beating Retreat ceremony near to the squadron in front of hundreds of spectators, with the Duke of Edinburgh taking the salute.
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Image: Royal Navy