On 15 April, the Navy Records Society was delighted to welcome its Patron, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, to a special reception at The National Archives in Kew. The event celebrated the Society’s continuing mission to preserve, publish, and promote original documents relating to the history of the Royal Navy, while also recognising the enduring support of its members, partners, and Royal Patron.
Hosted in the remarkable surroundings of The National Archives, the reception brought together members of the Society, invited guests, and representatives of the archival community. The Society is especially grateful to Dr Philippa Hellawell, Head of Collections Research at The National Archives and a Councillor of the Navy Records Society, for her support in making the occasion possible.
A highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of a specially bound edition of the Society’s latest publication, ‘Nelson’s Letters to Lady Hamilton and Related Documents’, to Her Royal Highness. The volume was presented by its editor and author, Dr Marianne Czisnik, as a token of appreciation for The Princess Royal’s patronage and in recognition of the Royal Family’s longstanding association with the Society.
In introducing the book, Dr Czisnik spoke about the extraordinary collection of correspondence between Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson and Lady Emma Hamilton. The volume brings together around 400 letters written by Nelson during the final seven years of his life, alongside the small but invaluable surviving collection of Lady Hamilton’s letters to him. She reflected on the years of research required to locate and access these documents across both public and private archives, highlighting how the publication makes an important body of primary source material available to scholars for the first time in a comprehensive edition. The collection sheds fresh light on one of the most fascinating and frequently misunderstood aspects of Nelson’s life, offering valuable new opportunities for historical research.
Her Royal Highness was accompanied by Vice Admiral Sir Adrian Johns, President of the Navy Records Society, who welcomed guests and expressed his thanks to The National Archives for hosting the reception. He also acknowledged the continued commitment of the Society’s members and supporters, whose enthusiasm and generosity enable the publication of significant archival collections year after year.
Following her arrival, The Princess Royal met nominated members of the Society, including most of the Navy Records Society’s Council. During these conversations, members discussed the Society’s ongoing work to improve access to original naval records for historians, researchers, students, and anyone with an interest in Britain’s maritime past. These exchanges reflected the shared commitment to ensuring that historically significant documents continue to inform scholarship and remain accessible for future generations.
The occasion also marked an important milestone in the Society’s history. Established in 1893, the Navy Records Society is now approaching the publication of its 175th volume — a remarkable achievement that reflects well over a century of dedicated scholarship. Since its foundation, the Society has published carefully edited collections of original documents that have transformed the study of naval and maritime history, making previously inaccessible archival material available to researchers around the world.
Professor Andrew Lambert, the Society’s former Honorary Secretary, reflected on this distinguished history during his opening address. He spoke about the close relationship the Society has enjoyed with both the Royal Family and the Admiralty since its foundation, a partnership that has played an important role in supporting its work across more than 130 years.
The Society has been privileged to benefit from the patronage of successive members of the Royal Family throughout its history. Past Patrons have included HRH Admiral The Duke of Edinburgh (later Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha) from 1893 to 1901; HRH The Duke of York, who later became King George V, from 1901 to 1936; HRH The Duke of Kent between 1936 and 1942; His Majesty King George VI from 1943 to 1952; and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh from 1953 until 2021. In 2024, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal became Patron, continuing this distinguished tradition of Royal support.
The reception also provided guests with the rare opportunity to view a selection of exceptional documents from The National Archives’ collections. Bruno Pappalardo (Navy Records Specialist) and Dr Sean Cunningham (Head of Medieval Records at The National Archive) both offered short presentations to introduce the items on display and invited guests to browse the display. Among the treasures brought out from the archive were the Royal Navy service record of King George VI, the captain’s log of HMS Victory from the Battle of Trafalgar, Admiral Lord Nelson’s last will and testament, and original correspondence written by two of the great figures of Restoration administration, Sir Christopher Wren and Samuel Pepys. These remarkable documents served as a vivid reminder of the rich archival heritage that organisations such as the Navy Records Society work tirelessly to preserve, publish, and interpret. Documents and images were chosen to honour HRH’s ongoing support for naval communities, including as Patron of the Association of Wrens.
The reception was a fitting celebration of the Society’s achievements, its partnerships, and its future ambitions. As the Navy Records Society approaches the publication of its 175th volume, it remains committed to its founding purpose: ensuring that the documentary history of the Royal Navy continues to be preserved, studied, and shared with future generations. The Society extends its sincere thanks to Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, The National Archives, its members, and all those whose support made this memorable occasion possible.
Further details of the event can be found here: NRS Programme for Wednesday 15th April, 2026
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