Queen says farewell to QE2
[2nd June 2008]
Her Majesty The Queen is paying a farewell visit to the historic cruise liner the QE2 at the port of Southampton today before the famous ship retires from active service in November.
The Queen will tour the QE2 and meet crew members, some of whom have worked on the ship since she entered service in 1969. A reception and lunch on board is also being attended by former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Nine QE2 captains will be present too, including Captain Peter Jackson who became Master of QE2 in 1973 and took the ship to the Falklands in 1982.
Cunard Line's current flagship Queen Mary 2, named by The Queen in January 2004, is also in port today and will be saluted by QE2's whistle sounded by her newest crewmember, Cadet Jennifer Haynes. In response Queen Mary 2 will sound her whistle to salute The Queen's visit. After she disembarks The Queen will be presented with 55 red roses by QE2's longest-serving female crewmember, executive housekeeper Roz Price Evans.
“It's wonderful to welcome Her Majesty The Queen and Baroness Thatcher to bid farewell to QE2. This event, and the recent meeting of Cunard’s three Queens in April for the last time ever, have both highlighted the important role that the Port of Southampton has played historically, and will continue to play, as Cunard's homeport," says ABP Southampton port director, Doug Morrison.
QE2 is known as the world's most famous ship and has completed 25 world cruises and crossed the Atlantic 803 times. After leaving Cunard service in November she will become a luxury hotel and entertainment centre in Dubai.
Written by: Nick Purdom
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