The Queen’s cousin, Princess Alexandra, opened a new wing at the only surviving seafarers’ mission charity on Friday (November 23).
The princess, who is 41st in line to the throne, formally opened the Princess Alexandra Wing in her role as patron of the Queen Victoria Seamen’s Rest (QVSR) in East India Dock Road, Poplar.
The QVSR was founded in 1843 to support seafarers, but the charity has increasingly begun to help a wider range of retired seafarers, ex-servicemen and homeless people.
The charity is currently halfway through an extensive refurbishment programme, called the Queen Vic Refit Appeal, and aims to make all rooms en-suite. So far, 75 rooms have been modernised.
Chief executive Alexander Campbell said he was “delighted” the princess agreed the wing could carry her name.
He added: “It is always a great honour to have the princess visit Queen Victoria Seamen’s Rest - she is at such ease with the people, she is a great people person and wants to say hello to everyone.”
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