Fiona receives royal recognition for her work on the Platinum Jubilee

24 November 2022

Harwich Haven Authority’s corporate affairs manager, Fiona Brunning, was recognised for her work associated with the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with an invitation to meet King Charles III and other members of the Royal Family at a reception held at Windsor Castle last week.

Working with the Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst and the Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, the Countess Euston, the Authority facilitated a unique parade of more than 100 boats that sailed through Harwich Harbour in June to showcase and celebrate the maritime history of the Essex and Suffolk coast. The flotilla featured boats of all kinds and a variety of vessels from the Royal Navy, Trinity House in Harwich, Harwich Haven Authority, Essex Marine Police and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), which came from Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex.

“I thoroughly enjoyed working with the Lord Lieutenants and their teams to stage the event in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee,” says Fiona.

“Organising an event of this scale wasn’t without its challenges, especially as it took place in one of the UK’s busiest trade gateways. But it was a huge success and attracted thousands of visitors on both sides of the Haven.

“Being recognised for my work and receiving an invitation to meet the King was a bit of a shock… but a huge honour.

“I was extremely nervous ahead of the event but everyone, from the Police to the staff at Windsor Castle, made the evening very special for the 300 invited guests. I did have the opportunity to meet the King… and I also cheekily invited him to visit Harwich soon!  It was a truly memorable experience and one I will not forget”

Rear Admiral Roy Clare, Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Essex, commented: “The leadership and safety provided by Harwich Haven Authority ensured that the Parade of Boats was a successful highlight of the Festival of the Sea.

“As one of the volunteer organisers, I warmly acknowledge the pivotal role played by Fiona Brunning and other professionals at Harwich Haven Authority, without whose know-how and cheerfully enthusiastic support the event could not have been staged at all.”

Image above: Fiona Brunning, corporate affairs manager, attended a Royal reception at Windsor Castle.
Image banner: Jo Marhsall