Our Royal Patron and MVS President

Our Royal Patron and Honorary Commodore is HRH Prince Michael of Kent GCVO KStJ

Prince Michael of Kent GCVO KStJ is a cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II, and a grandson of King George V and Queen Mary. Prince Michael occasionally carries out royal duties representing the Royal Family at some functions outside of the United Kingdom.

In 1994, Prince Michael was made Honorary Commodore (later Honorary Rear Admiral) of the Royal Naval Reserve, and in 2002 he was made Honorary Air Commodore of RAF Benson (promoted to Honorary Air Marshal in 2012). From 2009 to 2012 he was Regimental Colonel of the Honourable Artillery Company and has been, since 31 January 2012, the Royal Honorary Colonel of that regiment. He is also Colonel-in-Chief of the Essex and Kent Scottish Regiment in Canada.

His patronages and presidencies number over 100, including the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships for which he is the Honorary Admiral, the Royal Life Saving Society and the Maritime Volunteer Service (MVS).

In July 2022, to mark the 80th Birthday of our Royal Patron, His Royal Highness The Prince Michael of Kent GCVO, the Council and Directors of the Maritime Volunteer Service (MVS) conferred upon Prince Michael, the rank of 'Honorary Commodore' of the Maritime Volunteer Service.

Our President is Admiral, The Rt Hon. The Lord West of Spithead GCB DSC PC

During a reception held at Cayzer House, on Tuesday 6th September 2022, Admiral, The Rt Hon. The Lord West of Spithead GCB DSC PC was installed as Honorary President of the Maritime Volunteer Service.

Alan West, Baron West of Spithead, is an Admiral of the Royal Navy and formerly, from June 2007 to May 2010, a Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Home Office with responsibility for security and a security advisor to Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

During this time, Lord West served as Chairman of the National Security Forum. Prior to his ministerial appointment, he was First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff from 2002 to 2006.