Manx National Heritage warmly welcomed The Princess Royal to the House of Manannan last week for a private view of ‘All at Sea’, an exhibition commemorating the Isle of Man’s remarkable maritime heritage and the 200th anniversary of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
Escorted by Connie Lovel, Chief Executive of Manx National Heritage, Her Royal Highness enjoyed a tour of the exhibition which poignantly uncovers some of the tragic events in Manx waters which motivated Manx resident, Sir William Hillary to establish a national maritime lifesaving institution, before being introduced to representatives from the local community.
Manx National Heritage Curator for Archaeology, Allison Fox, spent some time with Her Royal Highness showing her artefacts uncovered from HMS Racehorse, the 1822 shipwreck that seems to have been the final straw that moved Sir William Hillary to petition for what would become the RNLI.
Connie Lovel, Chief Executive of Manx National Heritage said:
“Manx National Heritage is honoured to have hosted The Princess Royal at the House of Manannan. Her Royal Highness took a personal interest in all aspects of the ‘All at Sea’ exhibition, Sir William Hillary’s vision and the fascinating story of the RNLI over the past 200 years”.
The Princess Royal met representatives from the Island’s five lifeboat stations, Fisheries and the Isle of Man Sub Aqua Club in the exhibition gallery, before continuing her visit in the House of Manannan where she met representatives from Heritage, Farming, Maritime and Equine charities, businesses and community groups.
Mrs Lovel continued:
“Her Royal Highness was impressed with the tremendous work of the many sectors she was introduced to and enjoyed the atmospheric entertainment provided by both the Star Shanty Singers and the Mariners Choir”.
Before leaving the House of Manannan The Princess Royal signed the visitor book.
ENDS