HRH The Princess Royal paid a visit to the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre on Thursday, September 11, 2025 to view the Sunderland Memorial Window which has returned to the town following an absence of eighty years.

The window was commissioned at the end of the World War Two and was the first memorial of its type in the United Kingdom to be unveiled. Paid for by public subscription, the window pays tribute to the aircrews of many nations who served at RAF Pembroke Dock and who lost their lives in the conflict. On loan from the RAF Museum at Hendon, the magnificent stained glass window is the centrepiece of the Heritage Centre’s displays.

On arrival, The Princess Royal was met by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed, Miss Sara Edwards, accompanied by Lord-Lieutenant Cadet, Aeron James and children from both Pennar Community School and Pembroke Dock Community School who warmly welcomed the Princess Royal.

The Pembroke Dock Heritage Trust Chairman, Mr Rik Saldanha, welcomed Her Royal Highness and Rik shared history of the importance of Pembroke Dock’s Naval Dockyard which built 263 ships for the Royal Navy in its 113 year history, including five Royal Yachts for Queen Victoria, along with history of the Memorial Window.

Before departure, The Princess Royal unveiled a plaque commemorating the visit and signed the Visitors Book.

His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed, Miss Sara Edwards, said: “It was an enormous pleasure to welcome HRH The Princess Royal to the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre and to view the magnificent stained glass window. I commend all those who have worked so hard in making this possible”.

During the visit, a number of the Heritage Centre’s volunteers, who play an essential role in the Centre’s continued operation, were introduced to Her Royal Highness.

Also in attendance were the High Sheriff of Dyfed, Mrs Ann Jones; Samuel Kurtz MS; Councillor Maureen Bowen, Chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council; Councillor Michele Wiggins, Mayor of Pembroke Dock; Councillor Jon Harvey, Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council and Mr Johnathan Chitty, Chief Financial Officer, The Port of Milford Haven.