The Duchess of Kent took over the wheel of Exmouth life-boat, City of Birmingham, during a brief visit to the town's life-boat station on 14th May. Coxswain Brian Rowsell, who stood beside her in the wheel-house, said she showed a tremendous interest in the boat and its capabilities.

A 15-minute trip in the life-boat, escorted by the local IRB and Deep Sea Fishing Club craft, began and ended with cheers for the Duchess from crowds who thronged the dockside entrance.

The visit was made by the Duchess because she was unable to come and name the £72,000 life-boat when it was handed over to the R.N.L.I.

by the Deputy Mayor of Birmingham a year ago. Her visit, representing the Duke, who is R.N.L.I. President, at that time was cancelled because she was then expecting her third child..