HRH The Princess Royal
Our Royal Patron – Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal KG,KT,GCVO,CD,QSO
Since 2018 the National Coastwatch Institution has been proud and honoured to have Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal as our Royal Patron.
Her Royal Highness has made frequent visits to NCI stations around the country which have provided unparalleled recognition for our volunteers, boosted morale and heightened pride in NCI’s contributions to maritime Search and Rescue. In addition, The Princess Royal’s engagement has helped greatly to raise the profile of the Charity, so significantly broadening our network of supporters and sponsors.
During 2024 Her Royal Highness visited seven NCI stations at Canvey Island, Cromer, Worm’s Head, Fleetwood, Hengistbury Head, Bembridge, and Shoreham and attended a Reception at Trinity House for our supporters and sponsors to mark our 30th Anniversary of helping to save lives at sea.
Her Royal Highness’s continued involvement as the leading Patron of the Charity is a great honour and very much appreciated by us all.
Dame Katherine Grainger DBE
Dame Katherine became patron of the National Coastwatch Institution in 2013 and is currently Chair of UK Sport. She was appointed Chair of the British Olympic Committee in November 2024, a role she will take up in 2025.
Born in Glasgow, Dame Katherine attended Bearsden Academy and the universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow from which she gained an MPhil and LLB, followed by a PhD from Kings College London. She was elected President of the Edinburgh University Boat Club in 1996/7, honorary President of the Scottish Amateur Rowing Association 2005, and a Steward of Henley Royal Regatta in 2008.
Dame Katherine regularly attends Receptions and Events in support of National Coastwatch Institution profile and fundraising efforts. Dame Katherine was appointed MBE in2006, CBE in 2013 and DBE in 2017. In 2017 she was appointed Chancellor of Oxford Brookes University and holds 14 Olympic and World Championship medals including seven Gold.
Maggie Steed
Well known for her stage work with the Royal National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company as well as TV appearances including Rita Moon in Shine on Harvey Moon, Margaret Crabbe in Pie in the Sky, Phyllis Woolf in Born and Bred, and Harriet Maven in Silent Witness, Maggie Steed is also a keen sailor on the inshore waters around her home in Devon and has long been aware of the work done by National Coastwatch.
“I’m so happy to be asked to be a Patron for National Coastwatch. I’ve seen the work you do and admire everyone’s enthusiasm and seriousness of intent. The safety of the waves is guarded by the way you all watch over people and the boats that carry them,” said Maggie Steed.
Mike Golding
Mike Golding OBE is one of the few yachtsmen to have raced round the world non-stop in both directions. He held the solo record for sailing round the world westabout (the most challenging direction for circumnavigation) between 1994 and 2000 and is regarded as one of the world leaders in yachting sports. Mike has accepted the invitation to become a Patron of the National Coastwatch Institution.
He said:
“I am deeply honoured to support the mission of the National Coastwatch as a Patron. As an island nation, the UK is blessed with a magnificent yet complex coastline—one that is both inspiring and, at times, unforgiving. For those who work, live, or simply enjoy time by the sea, unpredictable weather and ever-changing tides can swiftly catch the unwary off guard, placing them in real danger.
“National Coastwatch plays a vital role in safeguarding our shores. Its network of lookout stations—often situated in some of the most hazardous locations are staffed by highly trained volunteers who help to ensure the safety of both the public and maritime communities. The UK has a proud tradition of volunteer-led maritime organisations, and as a charity, National Coastwatch stands among the very finest.”