THE NEWS of the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Marina, President of the Institution for over 25 years, was received with very real sorrow by all connected with the work of life-saving at sea.

Capt. the Hon. V. M. Wyndham-Quin, R.N., a former Chairman of the R.N.L.I., writes: 'For the crews of our boats, for the Committee of Management and the staff of the Institution, the branch officials and our many thousands of supporters all over the country, the sad news came as a great shock.

'During my service as Deputy Chairman and Chairman from 1956 until early this year, I had the privilege of attending Her Royal Highness at many life-boat functions and also of discussing with her from time to time the work of the Institution. She was always very well informed about our affairs and problems, in which she took the greatest interest.

There are many national organisations which mourn her passing and to which she rendered notable service, but she was, I am sure, particularly interested in the R.N.L.I., whose meetings and functions she honoured with her presence several times every year.

'Perhaps a naming ceremony on a fine day gave her the greatest pleasure, withthe band playing, flags flying and a warm reception from the big crowds which were always present. The presentations and actual ceremony over, she would meet and talk to the wives of the crew and local officials, and many others connected with the branch. This she did with her own inimitable charm and humour, giving the greatest pleasure to all who were presented.

'As many readers of THE LIFE-BOAT will remember, the Committee of Manage- ment recently organised a reception in honour of Her Royal Highness to mark the 25th anniversary of her becoming President of the Institution in succession to her late husband who lost his life on active service in 1942. This took place at St. James's Palace on 11th July last year, and was attended by a large gathering of representatives of what I may call the life-boat world from all over the country and as far away as the west of Ireland.

A KIND WORD FOR ALL 'It was a great success. I attended Her Royal Highness throughout the evening and at least 200 of the company present were presented. For one and all she had a kind word and a friendly smile. During the evening the opportunity was taken of presenting Her Royal Highness with the gold medal of the Institution, our highest award, and one which, I know, gave her great pleasure.

'When making the presentation I ended a brief speech with these words: "I ask you, Madam, to accept from me this gold medal as a token of the esteem and respect and, if I may say it, the affection in which you are held by the whole service".

'The memory of our late President and also our respect and affection for her will remain with all of us for many years to come.'.