Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal joined former Wrens, serving personnel and guests at HMS Eaglet in Liverpool for the Women’s Royal Naval Service Benevolent Trust (WRNS BT) Annual Presentation, to update members on its work in 2025 and to celebrate the remarkable contribution of generations of women who have served in the Naval Services.
The event brought together members of the WRNS family from across the UK, recognising the enduring legacy of the Women’s Royal Naval Service and the continuing work of WRNS BT in supporting former Wrens in their time of need and preserving their heritage.
Among the distinguished guests was Janet Gardner, aged 103, one of the remaining Second World War WRNS veterans. Janet joined the WRNS in 1942 and served in the coding office, making dangerous Atlantic crossings aboard the SS Pasteur, handling vital coded communications between Allied vessels. During the war she travelled to New York and South Africa, with instructions to destroy sensitive code books should the ship come under attack from German U-boats.
Guests were also treated to a moving presentation from The Valkyries, the all-female Royal Navy crew who completed a transatlantic rowing expedition. Sharing their personal experiences of teamwork, resilience and endurance during their Atlantic crossing, the crew drew powerful parallels between their own challenge and the courage, determination and pioneering spirit of the Wrens who served before them. Their presentation was warmly received and proved to be one of the highlights of the day.
During the visit, Her Royal Highness met beneficiaries, volunteers, trustees and guests, learning more about the Trust’s work and its commitment to supporting former Wrens and ensuring their stories continue to be shared with future generations.
The Annual Presentation also marked the conclusion of Commander Heather Rimmer’s tenure as Chair of WRNS BT, following years of dedicated leadership.
Commander Heather Rimmer said:
“It has been an enormous privilege to serve as Chair of the WRNS Benevolent Trust. Throughout my time, I have been continually inspired by the resilience, friendship and unwavering spirit of the Wren community.
“The Annual Presentation is a reminder that while the WRNS may now be part of history, its values of service, courage and camaraderie live on. We remain committed to supporting former Wrens in need , honouring their extraordinary contribution and ensuring their stories continue to inspire future generations.”
The event celebrated not only the achievements of those who served during wartime, but also the generations of women who have continued to shape the Royal Navy through service, leadership and commitment.
The WRNS BT, now part of the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity, continues to provide welfare support to former members of the WRNS while safeguarding the rich history and heritage of the organisation.
