The Duchess of Gloucester

The HMS Ardent Association congratulates our patron, HRH The Duchess of Gloucester LG, GCVO, DStJ, CD who has been made a Royal Lady Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter on St George’s Day, the 23 April 2024.

Since launching the Type 21 Frigate HMS Ardent in May 1975, the Duchess of Gloucester has been the sponsor of the ship and later the HMS Ardent Association and has attended all key anniversary events of the Association. In 2015 HRH led the dedication for the HMS Ardent Association Anchor Memorial located in the grounds of the National Memorial Arboretum on the 21 May 2015, the 33rd anniversary of the sinking of HMS Ardent in Falkland Sound.

In 2016 the Duchess became the HMS Ardent Association’s patron.

Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester, LG, GCVO, DStJ, CD born Birgitte Eva Henriksen on 20 June 1946; later van Deurs), is the wife of Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who is a grandson of King George V and Queen Mary, and first cousin of Queen Elizabeth II.