A right Royal Easter treat for visitors
It was a joy to see such an unusual ship moored at Greenwich Ship Tier – a large, bright yellow merchant ship registered in Hull, once renowned for its whaling fleet and also where the well-known Greenwich fleet was re-established at Grimsby with its rapid rail connections with the capital.
The Princess Royal was ferried in by helicopter to perform the naming ceremony. ‘Kirkella’ is a maritime community close to the Humber Bridge. Princess Anne has many maritime connections and honours, including being Master of Trinity House. This was an unusual occasion, a large deep-sea trawler introduced to the trade, and tourists visiting maritime Greenwich were treated to a free portion of fish and chips where the famous riverside once stood, on the site of the Cutty Sark’s dock and pier.
