Prince William and Princess Catherine visited the RNLI Tower Lifeboat Station in London today, marking the 25th anniversary of RNLI Lifeguards and revisiting a location significant to their early days as a couple. The visit followed a surprise appearance at Borough Market, where the Prince and Princess engaged with local vendors and sampled food and drink.
At Borough Market, the royal couple donned aprons and assisted with preparing food for customers, serving crumble with custard. They also visited the Bermondsey Beer Mile, where they attempted brewing. Princess Catherine reportedly declined a sample of beer, revealing she has significantly reduced her alcohol consumption as part of her cancer treatment, according to The Times. Prince William, but, sampled both beer and cider.
The couple then travelled by lifeboat to the RNLI Tower Lifeboat Station, a facility that opened in 2023. The station is permanently staffed and provides crucial support for River Thames safety. The Prince and Princess met with staff and volunteers, acknowledging their dedication, particularly during a challenging winter period. They will also meet with the lifeguards who will be supporting the Oxford and Cambridge University Boat Race on April 4th.
The RNLI holds a special place in the Prince and Princess’s history. Their first joint royal engagement as a couple took place in February 2011 at the RNLI Trearddur Bay Lifeboat Station in Anglesey, Wales, where they launched a latest lifeboat. Prince William had previously visited the RNLI Tower Station’s former site in 2016 and has also met with RNLI Lifeguards in Cornwall.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is the largest lifeboat service, operating along the coastlines of the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man. The charity relies on volunteers and donations to provide a 24/7 rescue service.
