Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Patten backs princess's plea

Sunday 30 November 1997 19:02 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The former Hong Kong governor Chris Patten yesterday backed the Princess Royal's call for the Royal Yacht Britannia to be scuttled - if it will save it from a "vulgar or naff" future.

Mr Patten told Sky News: "I think it would be a pity if, like previous royal yachts, it was broken up and sunk." But he added: "I think it would be disastrous - I would prefer to see it sunk - than used for anything which was vulgar or naff, so I hope a role can be found for her."

The Princess said last week that she would rather see it scuttled than preserved as a tourist attraction which could not be maintained.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in