King Charles III today got behind the wheel of an underwater vehicle (albeit virtual) during a visit to an underwater center.
The British monarch, 74, dressed in a traditional tartan kilt, visited the Global Underwater Hub in Westhill, Aberdeenshire, where he met staff and learned about their educational outreach programs.
He also spoke to Mike Jones, managing director of Soil Machine Dynamics, and was shown a remote-controlled underwater vehicle before being guided on how to operate it himself.
Global Underwater Hub (GUH) is the leading trade and industry development body for the UK’s growing £8 billion underwater sector.
During his visit, the King gained insight into the work being done in various sectors, including offshore energy, aquaculture, defense and telecoms.
King Charles today visited the Global Underwater Hub in Aberdeenshire, where he met staff and piloted a remote-controlled underwater vehicle
On his arrival, the monarch was welcomed by Neil Gordon, CEO of Global Underwater Hub, and His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Aberdeenshire, Mr Sandy Manson.
He then met GUH board members, staff and representatives of affiliated companies, and local school students.
Neil Gordon said via a statement on GUH’s website: ‘We were honored to welcome His Majesty to the Global Underwater Hub in Westhill.
“It was a unique opportunity to showcase Britain’s underwater sectors, the technology and expertise of our member companies, and our commitment to developing skills and capabilities to gain a competitive advantage as a global leader.”
Before leaving, the beaming king, who paired his kilt with a smart blazer, unveiled a plaque to mark his visit.
Global Underwater Hub is industry owned and operated and represents, promotes and supports supply chain companies across all sectors of the underwater industry.
King Charles III during his visit to the Global Underwater Hub in Westhill, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, where he met staff and learned about their educational outreach programs
King Charles III (right) looks at diving equipment during his visit to the Global Underwater Hub
King Charles III helps pilot an underwater ROV (remotely controlled vehicle)
The monarch is shown the operational screens of an underwater ROV (remotely operated vehicle)
King Charles III looks at an underwater ROV (remote operating vehicle) together with Mike Jones, director of SMD (Soil Machine Dynamics).
During his visit, the King gained insight into the work being done in various sectors, including offshore energy, aquaculture, defense and telecoms
Neil Gordon said via a statement on GUH’s website: ‘We were honored to welcome His Majesty (pictured) to the Global Underwater Hub in Westhill.’
The monarch meets Mintlaw Academy staff and students while visiting the Global Underwater Hu
On his arrival, the monarch was welcomed by Neil Gordon, CEO of Global Underwater Hub, and His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Aberdeenshire, Mr Sandy Manson.
This includes companies in offshore wind, marine renewables, oil and gas, aquaculture, defense and subsea telecommunications.
Their members are spread all over the world the United Kingdom, some of which are based abroad, the majority of which are small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Global Underwater Hub supports an industry that contributes £8 billion annually to the UK economy and supports around 45,000 jobs across the country.
Global Underwater Hub has created the Subsea Channel, a resource that aims to spark primary school students’ interest and imagination in science subjects, with a specific focus on the underwater industry.
Subsea Channel has provided more than 300 teachers from Glasgow to Shetland with CPD training and resource packs for schools to help with the science principles they teach.