HRH The Princess Royal, Patron of the UK’s National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN), will be the special guest at an exclusive New York luncheon, sponsored by Cunard, on Thursday 29th October in support of the world’s most iconic warship, HMS Victory.
The luncheon marks another milestone in Cunard’s celebratory 175th year and coincides with the launch of HMS Victory 250 years ago.
The Trafalgar luncheon is a celebration of the history of British Sea Power and is hosted by 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.
Following years of mostly stopgap reservation, HMS Victory is entering the most significant phase of conservation in her 250-year history to stabilise and preserve her. The luncheon marks the early stages of an international campaign to secure her long-term future.
The striking backdrop of Cunard’s flagship ocean liner Queen Mary 2 will provide an inspirational setting to the luncheon whilst she is docked at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal. It is the second such event sponsored by Cunard in support of NMRN during this year, with the earlier function hosted aboard Queen Victoria in April whilst the ship was docked in Los Angeles (San Pedro), California.
All proceeds from the event will go towards the conservation of HMS Victory, which boasts a huge following in America. The ship, which legendarily led the British Fleet to victory against the French in 1805, is most famously associated with Admiral Lord Nelson, who was mortally wounded during the Battle of Trafalgar and is now possibly one of the Greatest Britons.
David W. Fleming, Founding President of the AFNMRN, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Her Royal Highness as guest of honor. There is a very special relationship and shared respect between our two navies, past and present. The awesome sea power of the UK’s greatest flagship, HMS Victory, and the tactical genius of Admiral Lord Nelson capture the hearts and minds of many Americans.”
Luncheon Co-Chair Richard Meadows and President of Cunard, North America said: “This year has been a superb opportunity to showcase and celebrate Cunard’s 175th anniversary and the chance to mark this auspicious occasion in the esteemed company of Her Royal Highness and to support probably the world’s most famous warship, really is very special. We are delighted to support the AFNMRN in their sterling efforts to help conserve HMS Victory.”
Admiral of the Fleet, The Lord Michael Boyce KG GCB OBE DL, Chair of the HMS Victory Preservation Trust, is a special guest at the luncheon travelling to the USA exclusively for the occasion. Director General of the National Museum of the Royal Navy Professor Dominic Tweddle will also be attending. He said: “The partnership between the NMRN and its American Friends is very strong and we are extremely fortunate to have Cunard’s support in this very special year. This will be a remarkable occasion.”
For more information about Cunard or to book a voyage, contact your Travel Consultant, call Cunard Line at 1-800-728-6273 or visit www.cunard.com.
SOURCE: Cunard