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Members of Prawle Point Coastguard Rescue team greet royalty

Members of Prawle Point Coastguard Rescue team greet royalty

SA Sam Acourt Updated July 20, 2022

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Members of Prawle Point Coastguard Rescue team greet royalty

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Two members of the Prawle Point team were "honoured" to be part of the 200th birthday celebrations of HM Coastguard, including a visit from HRH Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall.

Their Royal Highnesses met with coastguards from across Devon during their visit to Torre Abbey Meadows, as well as seeing a fixed wing aircraft in action and meeting the crew of one of HM Coastguard’s helicopters.

There was a special moment for the current longest-serving coastguard Keith Dare-Williams who was presented with a Queen’s Jubilee medal representing the entire coastguard rescue service. Keith has served 57 years with the service.

Area commander for HM Coastguard in Devon and Prawle Point team member, Drew Parkinson, said: “It was very special for us to have a visit from Their Royal Highnesses in such a momentous year for Her Majesty’s Coastguard. It was particularly special for Keith to receive his Jubilee Medal on behalf of the service from the Prince of Wales.”

Area commander for HM Coastguard in Devon and Prawle Point team member, Drew Parkinson, (far left) meets The Prince of Wales

The Prince of Wales is Honorary Commodore to HM Coastguard was shown a number of displays demonstrating how modern search and rescue works.

As well as the displays showing the work, Their Royal Highnesses were also given Coastguard 200 gifts for their grandchildren and cut a celebratory cake.

Speaking after the event, Director of HM Coastguard, Claire Hughes said: “This was a really good opportunity to share our birthday celebrations with our Honorary Commodore. As a former serving coastguard himself while he was at school in Scotland he always takes great interest in the service.”

All photos credit Rob Grist - Maritime and Coastguard Agency