Behind the (virtual) wheel! King Charles operates a subsea vehicle from a computer on his visit to an underwater hub in Aberdeenshire

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King Charles III got behind the wheel of an underwater vehicle (albeit virtually) on a visit to an underwater hub today. 

The British monarch, 74, dressed in a traditional tartan kilt, visited the Global Underwater Hub in Westhill, Aberdeenshire, where he met staff and learnt about their educational outreach programmes. 

He also spoke to managing director of Soil Machine Dynamics Mike Jones and was shown an underwater remote operating 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 £8billion underwater sectors. 

During his visit, the King was shown the work being done across several sectors including offshore energy, aquaculture, defence and telecoms.

King Charles visited the Global Underwater Hub in Aberdeenshire today where he met staff and operated an underwater remote operating vehicle

Upon his arrival, the monarch was welcomed by Neil Gordon, chief executive of Global Underwater Hub, and His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Aberdeenshire, Mr Sandy Manson.

He was then introduced to GUH board members, staff and representatives from member companies, and local school pupils.

Neil Gordon said, via a statement on GUH’s website: ‘We were honoured to welcome His Majesty to the Global Underwater Hub in Westhill. 

‘It was a unique opportunity to showcase the UK’s underwater sectors, the technology and expertise of our member companies, and our commitment to developing skills and capabilities to drive competitive advantage as the global leader.’

Before leaving, the beaming King, who teamed his kilt with a smart blazer, unveiled a plaque to mark his visit.

Owned and governed by industry, Global Underwater Hub represents, promotes, and supports supply chain companies in 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 learnt about their educational outreach programmes

King Charles III (right), looks at diving apparatus during his visit to the Global Underwater Hub

King Charles III helps to operate an underwater ROV (remote operating vehicle)

The monarch is shown the operational screens of a underwater ROV (remote operating vehicle)

King Charles III, with Mike Jones, managing director of SMD (Soil Machine Dynamics), looks at an underwater ROV (remote operating vehicle)

During his visit, the King was shown the work being done across several sectors including offshore energy, aquaculture, defence and telecoms

Neil Gordon said, via a statement on GUH’s website: ‘We were honoured to welcome His Majesty (pictured) to the Global Underwater Hub in Westhill.’

The monarch meets staff and students from Mintlaw Academy as he visits the Global Underwater Hu

Upon his arrival, the monarch was welcomed by Neil Gordon, chief executive of Global Underwater Hub, and His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Aberdeenshire, Mr Sandy Manson

This includes ventures in offshore wind, marine renewables, oil and gas, aquaculture, defence and subsea telecoms. 

Their members are based across the United Kingdom, with some based abroad, with the majority being small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs). 

Global Underwater Hub supports an industry that contributes £8billion to the UK economy annually and supports around 45,000 jobs across the country.

Global Underwater Hub has created the Subsea Channel, a resource that aims to capture the interest and imagination of primary school pupils in science subjects, with a specific focus on the underwater industries. 

Subsea Channel has provided over 300 teachers from Glasgow to Shetland with CPD training and resource kits for schools that assists with the scientific principles they teach.

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