HARTLEPOOL RNLI volunteer Robbie Maiden rubbed shoulders with royalty at a Buckingham Palace garden party.
Robbie had been invited to the event – by the Lord Lieutenant of Durham Sue Snowdon – in recognition of his 40-plus years as a volunteer with the charity that saves lives at sea.
Robbie, who was also coxswain for 28 years at the Ferry Road lifeboat station and now volunteers as a Deputy Launch Authority, attended the event with his partner Sue.
He said: “It was a brilliant day. It was quite special to see the King and Queen and a few other members of the Royal family in the stunning surroundings of Buckingham Palace.
“It was a really well organised event and we were both really proud to be there with all the other guests. It was definitely a day we will never forget.”
