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HMS Sultan Officer to Represent Royal Navy at Historic Lady Mayor's Show
7 November 2025
A Royal Navy officer from HMS Sultan will join women from across the defence sector in a historic parade celebrating the first Lady Mayor of the City of London
Lieutenant Amy Durand, SO3 Logistics Officer at HMS Sultan and the establishment's Foreign and Commonwealth Officer, will represent the Royal Navy at the Lady Mayor's Show on Saturday 8 November 2025.
The event marks a historic moment as Alderwoman Dame Susan Langley DBE becomes the third female Lord Mayor of London and the first to be styled Lady Mayor. Dating back to the 13th century, the Lord Mayor's Show is the oldest and longest-running civic procession in the world.
Lt Durand will march as part of the Women in Defence UK entry, themed 'The women who defend us'. The contingent will showcase the diverse range of careers available across the defence sector, with participants wearing their daily work attire to represent their various roles. The parade will feature a mixed group of Royal Navy, Army and RAF personnel, alongside MOD Civil Servants and defence industry partners.
Originally from the island of Dominica in the Caribbean, Amy joined the Royal Navy in March 2008 at just 17 years old as a supply chain rating, before commissioning as a logistics officer in April 2023. She has been serving at HMS Sultan since June 2024.
Speaking about her participation, Lt Durand said: "I feel proud. Women in general have made a lot of strides and it's an exciting time for us as women, both in defence and in wider society. With the first Lady Mayor appointed, I think it's an exciting opportunity and speaking to my fellow counterparts, they're all equally as excited."
Lt Durand's journey to the Royal Navy began through her brother, who was already serving. After graduating a year early from Dominica Grammar School, she chose the Navy over pursuing administrative law in Miami or Venezuela. Since joining, she has achieved an LLB Honours degree in law with the Open University whilst progressing through the ranks.
"I feel proud. Women in general have made a lot of strides and it's an exciting time for us as women, both in defence and in wider society. With the first Lady Mayor appointed, I think it's an exciting opportunity and speaking to my fellow counterparts, they're all equally as excited.
As HMS Sultan's Foreign and Commonwealth Officer, Lt Durand supports personnel from Commonwealth backgrounds and is an active member of the Royal Navy Commonwealth Network, having been part of the original group when it was founded. "The Commonwealth network is always a good starting point throughout your career," she explained. "It offers people from the Commonwealth who are serving a place where they can network with others and their families can also share their lived experiences and advice."
Reflecting on her early challenges adapting to life in the UK from the Caribbean island known as the 'Nature Isle', Lt Durand said: "Leaving my island and home to come to a completely different country was a challenge in itself. The weather was definitely a difference, as was the culture. But I leaned on the experience of those around me and the encouragement and support my family provided."
Lt Durand's family back in Dominica will be watching the parade, which will be broadcast live on BBC One. "I'll have my mum on standby," she said. "The event will be covered by BBC Live, so that will be a good opportunity to share the experience with her."
The Lady Mayor's Show attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators and an average television audience of two million viewers. This year's theme is 'Opportunity and Growth', celebrating the City's potential and the careers it enables, especially for those who may not traditionally see themselves represented.
The parade will commence at 10:30hrs and travel through the City of London, with participants walking approximately three miles through historic locations including Mansion House, St Paul's Cathedral and the Royal Courts of Justice.
Lt Durand hopes her journey from Commonwealth rating to commissioned officer will inspire others: "I've been fortunate to successfully crossover as a commissioned officer, which not many have been able to do. I hope that in so doing, I inspire others to push and break those glass ceilings."