HMS Iron Duke played host to the King and Queen during the final leg of their three-day State Visit to France.
As the Royal couple arrived from Paris to the south-western French city, they were greeted aboard HMS Iron Duke with the ceremonial Royal Guard, harmoniously accompanied by the National Anthem rendered by the Royal Marines Musicians.
The Portsmouth-based frigate, in a gesture of respect and significance, hoisted the Royal Standard to mark this prestigious occasion. The King and Queen were then led to the warship’s flight deck, where an official reception awaited them. In attendance were members of the local Bordeaux community, representatives from veterans’ charities, and local government officials.
Commander James Wallington-Smith, Commanding Officer of HMS Iron Duke, articulated his pride: “It has been the greatest privilege and honour for HMS Iron Duke to support Their Majesties’ inaugural State Visit to France post-Coronation. This visit accentuates our enduring bond with our counterparts in the Marine Nationale and the wider French Armed Forces.”
To complement the event, the Royal Marines Musicians, usually stationed at the Commando Training Centre in Lympstone, Devon, presented a mix of military, classical, and modern tunes.
HMS Iron Duke, having recently undergone a significant refit and having represented the Royal Navy at London’s DSEI defence event, was fittingly berthed at King Louis XVIII Quai, reflecting Bordeaux’s rich maritime history.
Nice to see the King and his wife out and about…
Yes God save the King
Was that the most appropriate frigate for that mission lol.
They want to sell it to allies after it’s upgrade