King reunites with old Royal Navy shipmates for trip down ‘memory sea-lane’

The King has hosted a reunion with old shipmates from his Royal Navy days at Buckingham Palace, sharing “a few salty tales on the trip down memory sea-lane”.

The special private reception, staged for the King’s fellow sailors, was staged following a personal request from Charles, who funded the event himself.

An aide to the King said: “His Majesty was greatly looking forward to seeing his old shipmates and no doubt sharing a few salty tales on the trip down memory sea-lane.

“He is most grateful for their continued loyalty, laughter and support over the decades, and looked forward to hearing where life’s journeys had taken them all.”

After passing out at RAF Cranwell, the young Prince of Wales began his naval career as a 22-year-old acting sub-lieutenant when he joined an accelerated graduates course at Britannia Royal Naval College in 1971.

Two months later, he was posted to the guided missile destroyer HMS Norfolk, and then to the frigates HMS Minerva and HMS Jupiter.

In 1976, Charles took on his final post with the Royal Navy, becoming the Commanding Officer of Ton-class minesweeper HMS Bronington.

His active naval career ended in December 1976, with the rank of Commander.

Charles set up his youth charity, The King’s Trust, formerly known as The Prince’s Trust, with his Navy severance pay nearly 50 years ago, and the King’s aide said the reception was “a timely opportunity to reflect on what great things have sprung from those formative years”.

No media were present for the private get-together.

Charles’s shipmates have previously reflected on his seafaring days.

Former clearance diver Petty Officer John Friar, who served on HMS Bronington, said the-then Lieutenant Wales was “without doubt, the best ship handler by far”.

He added: “Believe me, if he had been rubbish, I would say so.

“He was not a good sailor in that he got very seasick, but then again, so did Nelson.”