HRH The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, Patron of the UK’s National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN), was the special guest at an exclusive New York lunch on board Queen Mary 2, sponsored by Cunard, in support of the world’s most iconic warship, HMS Victory.
The event was hosted by Cunard for the American Friends of the National Museum of the Royal Navy (AFNMRN), a not‐for‐profit organization that furthers the special relationship between the British and American navies and supports the NMRN’s collections and educational programs. HMS Victory, the centerpiece of the National Museum, is the only 18th century ship of the line in existence and boasts a large following in the United States. The lunch marked the early stages of an international campaign to secure its long-term future with proceeds from the event to go towards its conservation and preservation.
Angus Struthers, Cunard’s Director, said: “Cunard’s relationship with the Royal Navy dates back to the company’s inception in 1840, and throughout time, Cunard has played an integral role in both the US and UK’s war efforts. We are honoured and thrilled to be able to join forces today with the National Museum of the Royal Navy and be a part of the efforts to preserve the HMS Victory.”
During the event remarks were also made Admiral of the Fleet the Lord Boyce, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, and Erik Olstein, president of AFNMRN.
The striking backdrop of Cunard’s flagship ocean liner Queen Mary 2 provided an inspirational setting and was the second such event sponsored by Cunard in support of NMRN during this year, with the earlier function hosted on board Queen Victoria in April 2015 in Los Angeles, California.