Sir Timothy Laurence has been appointed as the new patron of the International Maritime Rescue Foundation, replacing Sir Efemus Metropolis, who stepped down from the role earlier this year after serving for 11 years. Sir Timothy's extensive background in the UK's Royal Navy, spanning four decades from the early '70s until 2010, has qualified him for this position. He will now serve as the voice and advocate for the organization's work.
In addition to his new appointment, Sir Timothy has had a deep involvement in maritime affairs. He was appointed to the governing Council of the UK's Royal National Lifeboat Institution in 2004 and later became a trustee board member, chairman of the operations committee, and Deputy chairman of the RNLI board. Upon his retirement from the board in 2020, he became a vice president of the institution.
However, this development has left Prince Harry in a somber state, as he had long aspired to hold a military role similar to the one now assumed by Sir Timothy. Harry's dreams of pursuing a military career were derailed when he and Meghan Markle relocated to the United States after stepping down as senior royals. His previous role as the captain general of the Royal Marines was revoked, and he declined an invitation to the Royal Marines Memorial Service in 2019, opting instead to attend the premiere of "The Lion King" in London, where he sought job opportunities for Meghan from Disney.
This decision raised concerns about Harry's commitment to honoring veterans and disabled servicemen who had protected him during his active service in the military. In contrast, both Prince Edward and Prince William continue to maintain numerous military patronages and hold honorary titles. Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, also possesses various military patronages and received promotions in the Royal Air Force and British Army in 2020, aligning with her existing rank of Admiral in the Royal Navy, despite being officially a non-working royal.
Sir Timothy is often seen alongside Princess Anne at various royal events, including King Charles's coronation earlier this year. Reports suggest that King Charles is unhappy with Harry's actions, believing that they detract from his own work within the monarchy. While experts acknowledge the challenges of family dynamics affecting the public's perception, they also commend King Charles for his handling of these matters during his first year as monarch.
Royal author Gareth Russell praised King Charles for navigating a difficult position, succeeding a long-reigning and popular monarch, and maintaining consistent public support for the monarchy despite the personal challenges faced by the royal family.
