HMS Glasgow crew meet ship sponsor for first time

Crew from the Royal Navy’s new frigate HMS Glasgow met the ship’s sponsor, The Princess of Wales, for the first time.

The Type 26 Frigate is currently under construction at BAE Systems’ shipyard in Govan, Glasgow.

The Royal Navy said in a news release that to date, fifteen sailors have joined the vessel, the first contingent of the eventual complement of 161 Royal Navy personnel.

Type 26 Frigate project update, first in water this year

The crew were invited to Windsor where they met with The Princess of Wales for the first time since her appointment as HMS Glasgow’s ship’s sponsor was announced in June last year.

“It was a huge honour to be invited to Windsor Castle and to meet Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales,” said Warrant Officer Darran Sullivan, the ship’s Executive Warrant Officer. The appointment of sponsor signals an enduring connection between the ship’s crew and Her Royal Highness.  It is clear from meeting her that she has a real interest in HMS Glasgow and in the lives of those who will serve onboard.”

Petty Officer Colin Chalmers, who joined as one of HMS Glasgow’s Marine Engineers last month, echoed the sentiment:

“It was amazing meeting The Princess of Wales, particularly as there was such a small group of us in attendance.  The moment she walked into the room her enthusiasm and genuine interest in us really shone through and put us immediately at ease.”

During the visit, the ship’s company presented Her Royal Highness with an HMS Glasgow ship’s crest and challenge coin. You can read more here.