MEMBERS of Conwy’s branch of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) gathered today (September 19). to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth II on the day of her funeral.

The Queen died on September 8 aged 96, making her the longest-reigning monarch in British history.

Her state funeral took place at Westminster Abbey earlier today.

Conwy RNLI’s volunteer crew and family members gathered together at 1155am today at Conwy Lifeboat Station for a two-minute silence in remembrance and reflection of the life and legacy of the Queen.

A Conwy Lifeboat spokesperson added: “We pay our respects to our patron Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who devoted her life to duty.”

Queen Elizabeth II had been a patron of the RNLI since ascending to the throne.

She was also the longest-serving RNLI patron, dedicating 70 years to saving lives at sea, during which time the charity’s lifeboat crews and lifeguards saved more than 65,000 lives.

She also attended many RNLI events and visited numerous lifeboat stations, with four Jubilee medals issued to RNLI crew members in 1977, 2002, 2012, and 2022.

At 21, then Princess Elizabeth, she donated £180, the equivalent of almost £7,000 today, to the charity.

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On September 8, the date of the Queen’s death, RNLI chief executive Mark Dowie also paid tribute.

He said: “On behalf of everyone involved with the RNLI, we send our heartfelt condolences to The Royal Family on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“Her Majesty has dedicated 70 years as patron of the RNLI, engaging with and recognising the efforts of thousands of our people.

“We place on record our sincere thanks for Her Majesty’s unwavering commitment to saving lives at sea.

“Our thoughts are with The Royal Family and Her Majesty’s loyal subjects across the United Kingdom and The Commonwealth.”