At a reception onboard THV Patricia on 2 August to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Cowes Week, HRH The Princess Royal announced the names of Trinity House’s new vessels of the ‘Future Afloat’ fleet renewal programme contract awarded on 22 July.

The first ship to be delivered to Trinity House, in 2029, will be named after Princess Anne, THV Princess Royal, and the second ship due in the same year will be named THV Prince Philip.

The new vessels will replace THV Patricia (as above at Dun Laoghaire) and THV Galatea, both of which are nearing the end of their operational life for Trinity House, which is the General Lighthouse Authority (GLA) for England, Wales, the Channel Islands, and Gibraltar.

With the newbuild replacement, this will see Trinity House continue delivering its statutory aids to navigation service safely, efficiently, and sustainably for decades to come.

Trinity House’s Deputy Master Rear Admiral Iain Lower writes of the new names: “Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal has been the Master of Trinity House since succeeding her father His Royal Highness The late Duke of Edinburgh in 2011. The late Duke of Edinburgh was the longest-ever-serving Master and, from 1969, oversaw much change and transformation with the Corporation; he is fondly remembered and missed greatly.

“Across the centuries, there has been a variety of vessel names, from Argus and Antelope to Vigilant, Winston Churchill, and Zadora. By naming the first vessel THV Princess Royal we take this opportunity to recognise HRH The Princess Royal’s enthusiasm for and continued dedication and commitment to Trinity House as our Master. In honour of

The late Duke of Edinburgh’s long and distinguished association with Trinity House, we name the second of the class THV Prince Philip.

“It is a great honour for us to be able to do so.”

Trinity House is a maritime safety and welfare organisation that works for the benefit and safety of all mariners as a GLA and maritime charity.