Sea Cadets from Northern Area took centre stage at the naming ceremony of the Royal Navy’s new carrier HMS Prince of Wales, in the presence of their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay.
About 90 cadets and volunteers attended the historic event on Friday 8 September, with a Sea Cadets band playing to 500 VIPs as they arrived in the morning for their passes.
Cadets from Bangor, Ashington and Rosyth later sung Amazing Grace to a crowd of 5,000, while more cadets from Ashington followed dancing the hornpipe. Thirty-seven cadets also lined the route for VIPs, with Petty Officer Cadet Sam of Rosyth opening the car door for the Duchess upon her arrival.
After the ceremony, 11-year old Junior Cadet Daniel, from Ashington, was introduced to the Duchess. Brave Daniel, who has battled cancer, had climbed nine sets of ladders to reach the top of the bridge of HMS Prince of Wales and hoist the royal standard.
The hour-long ceremony took place in Rosyth, with the ship due to be floated out next spring.
Sea Cadets’ Northern Area Officer, Captain Peter Adams RN (Rtd), said: “Well done to all the cadets and volunteers involved in this historic event, both on the day and in preparing beforehand. They are a credit to us and to their respective units, and we are all very proud. I am sure they will all remember this day for many years to come.”
