Hastings Lifeboat Hero Queues 13 Hours to Honour Queen Elizabeth II

Glenn Barry, a veteran RNLI volunteer from Hastings, made the pilgrimage to London this weekend to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II. The late Queen was the Patron of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution—a role every British monarch has held since King George IV in the 1820s. It’s a title that carries serious weight, supporting the lifesaving work of the RNLI.

Perfect Moment at Westminster Hall

After enduring a gruelling 13-hour wait, Glenn finally entered Westminster Hall. He timed his visit perfectly, catching a poignant moment as the Queen’s children stood vigil over her coffin, with crowds watching silently.

“Yesterday was such an honour representing the RNLI. The public were incredibly supportive. After 13 hours, it was amazing to see that moment,” Glenn said.

Three Decades of Lifesaving Service

Glenn has been a cornerstone of the Hastings RNLI lifeboat crew for over 30 years. He’s a member of the all-weather lifeboat crew and a qualified Helmsman on the Inshore Lifeboat. His dedication to saving lives at sea mirrors the Queen’s long-standing support of the institution.

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