Prince calls on Portsmouth to pay tribute to the Merchant Navy

Prince Edward is urging councils across the UK to back a campaign to raise awareness of ‘island nation’ Britain’s dependence on the Merchant Navy.

The charity Seafarers UK has called on local authorities to fly the Red Ensign – the symbol of the British Merchant Navy – on Saturday, September 3.

The Earl of Wessex, who is also the president of Seafarers UK, said: ‘I very much hope you will support this campaign to remember the sacrifices, salute the courage and support the future of the often unsung personnel of our Merchant Navy.’

Merchant Navy Day began in 2000.

The campaign to ‘Fly the Red Ensign’ was started last year to remind UK citizens who live more than 70 miles from the sea that they depend on Merchant Navy seafarers for 95 per cent of imports.

For more information about the awareness drive, visit merchantnavyday.uk