PEMBROKESHIRE RNLI lifeguard and Supervisor Matty Mcleod attended Buckingham Palace for Queen Elizabeth II centenary.

Matty McLeod is a Lifeguard Supervisor in North Pembrokeshire and has been part of the RNLI for 12 years.

Growing up on the coast and becoming a keen surfer, Matty has always had a strong interest in water safety and helping people around the coastline.

On Tuesday, April 21, Matty was one of four RNLI representatives, one from each UK nation, who visited Buckingham Palace for a special event commemorating the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II, who was the longest serving RNLI Patron, having held the role for 70 years.

The four RNLI representatives were nominated by the charity in recognition of their dedication and service to the lifesaving charity.

Matty said: ‘I feel very grateful to have attended such a prestigious occasion and represent Wales and West RNLI lifeguards in their 25th anniversary year.’

Queen Elizabeth II was a much loved member of the RNLI family for seven decades, during which time the charity’s lifeboat crews and lifeguards saved 65,979 lives.

Her Late Majesty’s extraordinary commitment to the lifesaving charity saw Queen Elizabeth II attend many RNLI occasions and recognise the efforts of thousands of RNLI volunteers during visits to lifeboat stations, through the national Honours awards, and the four Jubilee medals issued to RNLI crew in 1977, 2002, 2012, and 2022 to mark the Platinum Jubilee.

Queen Elizabeth II’s connection with the RNLI included a number of significant milestones, including the opening of the RNLI College in Poole on July 24, 2004.

The Late Queen’s final official engagement on behalf of the RNLI was on May 17, 2013, when The Late Queen unveiled a plaque at St Ives Lifeboat Station in Cornwall and met the volunteer lifeboat crew and fundraisers.