Master Mariners' Installation Dinner
25th April 2025Mansion House
We were privileged to be asked to the Master Mariner’s Installation Dinner at the Mansion House, after the Installation of HRH The Prince Edward Duke of Edinburgh as Master of the Honourable Company of Master Mariners. Following other members of the Royal family, the Duke has stepped up to be Master in the centenary year of the company's foundation (2026), being the first of the Modern Livery Companies to reach that milestone. (We will ignore the fact that we have relatively recently had the 400th anniversary of our original foundation!).
The Lord Mayor was also present.
As might be expected a number of Livery friends were also there and we sat next to the Master Fueller and the Master Farmer and his consort. Also present were our own Andrew and Kate Golding, and Archie and Miriam Smith.
After a fine meal, which as with other Master Mariner's dinners has a fish main course, we were treated to the usual toasts, which produced much laughter when the Prince raised a toast to “other members of the Royal Family”.
The toasts were followed by excellent speeches by the outgoing Master, Commander Les Chapman, RN, the Lord Mayor and the Duke of Edinburgh. Also welcomed was the new Master Mariners’ Clerk, Mike Jenkins, recently moved over from the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners. Mike will have his work cut out, as not only will he have to work with the Royal Master, but the Mariners are intending to build a new floating HQ, which is still in planning!
A most entertaining evening!