KINGSTON AND SURREY MVS UNIT LEADS ROYAL SAIL-PAST
On Saturday 6 September 2025, Kingston upon Thames played host to the Duke of Edinburgh who reviewed and took the royal salute as a 70-boat strong flotilla passed down the River Thames to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of the coronation of King Athelstan. This event was part of the town’s River Cultures Festival as it celebrated the 1100th anniversary of the crowning of Athelstan, the first King of England, in Kingston.
The festival also celebrated the central role the River Thames has played throughout history in the communities and culture of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames.
The Kingston and Surrey Maritime Volunteer Service unit provided two boats to marshal the river-borne contingent, and MVS Blue Light, the 1951 ex-Thames Police launch, was granted the privilege of leading the procession past the Duke of Edinburgh stationed on the balcony of one the town’s sailing clubs. .
This was not the end of the MVS’ involvement in the event, Mark Laity, Volunteer Chief, and experienced member of Kingston MVS (pictured centre) played a critical role on the day as it was his job to brief the Royal guest of honour on the background of each boat or vessel and the group they represented.
Mark Laity said: “Although I was there in my capacity as Thames Sailing Club’s commodore, and commentator, I was able to give a thorough account of who the MVS were and our role locally to the Duke of Edinburgh to ensure he was fully briefed.
“It helped greatly that MVS Blue Light was leading the flotilla of boats down the Thames as I was able to talk about the MVS first.”
Duke of Edinburgh takes the salute from MVS – led sail Past
MVS Blue Light in position as Duke of Edinburgh plants commemorative tree.