A former Harwich harbour master, who describes himself as “just an Essex boy who ran off to sea at 16,” has spoken of the moment he received his MBE from Prince Charles.

Honorary operations manager of Harwich Lifeboats, Captain Rod Shaw, visited Buckingham Palace earlier this month after being named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to maritime safety.

For Capt Shaw, who has been involved with Harwich Lifeboats for over 30 years, the occasion offered the opportunity to rekindle an acquaintance with the Prince - formed when he was asked to advise on the safety of the royal barge ahead of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee pageant that took place on the River Thames in 2012.

He said: “My involvement with the Jubilee ensured I was known to royal officials.

“At the awards ceremony Prince Charles asked me how my role as safety advisor had gone. I replied: ‘Well, you’re still here aren’t you?,’ which made him laugh.”

He added: “It was a wonderful day and I had all my family with me.”

receiving his MBE at Buckingham Palace just before Xmas. Rod received the award in recognition of his long career in the Marine Industry and for services to Maritime Safety. He has been involved with the Harwich Lifeboats for over 30 years and Price Charles commented at the presentation on his assistance to the Royal family at last year’s Diamond Jubilee Pageant on the River Thames”