At a reception onboard THV Patricia on 2 August to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Cowes Week, HRH The Princess Royal—in her capacity as the Master of the Corporation of Trinity House—announced the names of the two new ships for which a design and build contract was awarded on 22 July 2026.
The first ship to be delivered to Trinity House in 2029 will be named THV Princess Royal.
The second ship—due in the same year—will be named THV Prince Philip.
The new vessels will replace THV Patricia and THV Galatea—both of which are nearing the end of their operational life—ensuring Trinity House can continue delivering its statutory aids to navigation service safely, efficiently and sustainably for decades to come.
Trinity House’s Deputy Master Rear Admiral Iain Lower writes of the new names:
“Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal has been the Master of Trinity House since succeeding her father His Royal Highness The late Duke of Edinburgh in 2011. The late Duke of Edinburgh was the longest ever serving Master and from 1969 oversaw much change and transformation with the Corporation; he is fondly remembered and missed greatly.
“Across the centuries, there has been a variety of vessel names, from Argus and Antelope to Vigilant, Winston Churchill and Zadora. By naming the first vessel THV Princess Royal we take this opportunity to recognise HRH The Princess Royal’s enthusiasm for—and continued dedication and commitment to—Trinity House as our Master. In honour of The late Duke of Edinburgh’s long and distinguished association with Trinity House we name the second of the class THV Prince Philip.
“It is a great honour for us to be able to do so.”
Trinity House is a maritime safety and welfare organisation that works for the benefit and safety of all mariners as a General Lighthouse Authority and maritime charity.
As a General Lighthouse Authority, it operates marine aids to navigation that are critical to the safety of ships and seafarers, providing an essential service for the prosperity of our island nation. As a self-funding maritime charity, it provides education, support and welfare to the seafaring community.
For more information:
Neil Jones, Communications Manager
neil.jones@trinityhouse.co.uk
www.trinityhouse.co.uk