The Queen marks the 70th anniversary of the International Maritime Organization

The Royal Family have a long and enduring relationship with the International Maritime Organization. The Duke of Edinburgh laid the foundation stone in 1979, The Queen opened the building in 1983 and The Duke of Gloucester re-opened it in 2008 following a major refurbishment.

During his speech to mark Her Majesty's visit, the Secretary General spoke of these links, of the organization's aspirations for the future and of The Queen’s, ‘deep personal interest in ships and the sea.’