Montrose sailor video chats with Prince William for Remembrance

A Royal Navy physical trainer from HMS Montrose told the Duke of Cambridge about his ship’s £20m drugs bust in a Remembrance Day video chat.

As part of commemorative events, a call was lined up with the Type 23 frigate in the Gulf for LPT Damon Bell to chat with Prince William along with personnel from the Army and RAF. 

During the call, LPT Bell referred to Montrose’s recent £20m drugs seizure and joked about it being half the amount of a bust made by HMS Iron Duke while Prince William was embarked a dozen years ago to learn about the work of the Royal Navy. 

Speaking to the Duke, LPT Bell said: “At the minute HMS Montrose is out in the Middle East reassuring merchant shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz. 

“We’re also doing counter-narcotics, as you’ll have seen in the papers lately we’ve done a £20m drugs bust – only half of what you got on the Iron Duke.”

In response, Prince William said: “I wasn’t going to bring that up Damon but I am glad it’s still being talked about.”

The video chat also included RAF Flight Sergeant Gemma Thomson from 83 Expeditionary Air Group and Corporal Jiwan Thapa from the Queen’s Gurkha Signals.

They spoke about their time in the service and what Remembrance means to them.

Prince William thanked the trio for their service.

“We are still thinking about all of you guys, where you are, and the important job you’re doing and everyone is very grateful,” he said.

As the embarked PTI, it is Damon’s job to keep sailors on Montrose in top condition – something Prince William asked for a little help with.

On the call, he said: “I think after a number of lockdowns Damon I might need your PT skills to get me back into shape.”

PTI Bell replied: “I’m only on the end of a Zoom call sir – whenever you want.”

Royal Navy personnel across the UK and around the world marked Armistice Day with services of remembrance.