Royal visit in Hartlepool today as Princess Anne learns about National Museum of the Royal Navy and HMS Trincomalee plans

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal will visit The National Museum of the Royal Navy today, Wednesday, February 26.

As Patron of the museum, she previously visited the museum and HMS Trincomalee in 1994 to officially open the attraction then called Hartlepool Historic Quay.

Her visit marks the start of the redevelopment of the museum and the wider waterfront site, which museum bosses want to make the ‘world’s most inspiring naval museum’.

Roslyn Adamson, general manager of The National Museum of the Royal Navy, Hartlepool, said: “We are delighted to welcome The Princess Royal on Her Royal Highness’ first visit to Hartlepool as our patron.

“The occasion marks a significant milestone in our journey towards developing a museum with the capacity to exhibit our national collections.

“This is an exciting time for the National Museum of the Royal Navy and we look forward to working with Hartlepool Borough Council to play our part in transforming the Waterfront as a key regional attraction.”

Royal seal of approval: See pictures and video of Princess Anne’s visit here

As part of the museum’s development programme, the recently acquired Second World War air sea rescue boat RML 497, which is being restored on site, will form the centrepiece of a new exhibition hall.

The Wingfield Castle paddle steamer owned by Hartlepool Borough Council is also due to be restored and form a key attraction on site.

A STEM (Science, Technology, Maths and Engineering) learning centre to provide learning and skills training opportunities for local people are also part of the plans.

Meanwhile, the adjacent former Jackson’s Landing site is being redeveloped by the council into a new leisure hub comprising an outdoor events space and new water sports activities centre.

Councillor Shane Moore, the leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, added: “This is such an exciting time for Hartlepool and the National Museum and the visit of Her Royal Highness is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the exciting developments to come and the strong partnership between our organisations.”