Video of The Last Trafalgar Night Dinner under the White Ensign, 21 October 1998

The front cover of the video, available in PAL VHS format for £12.50 including postage and packing in the UK.

We have a limited number of professionally produced videos available of the last Trafalgar Night Dinner Under the White Ensign, held in the famous Painted Hall at the Royal Naval College in Greenwich on 21 October 1998.

As well as celebrating Nelson's victory at the Battle of Trafalgar, the event also marked the departure of the Royal Navy from the College.

This short film is a unique record of a memorable event and is a must for all Nelson, Naval History and Royalty buffs.

Royal guests

The video begins with an introduction by Commodore, His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent KCVO, Royal Naval Reserve.

The Dinner includes a moving tribute to Lord Nelson by Admiral of the Fleet, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh KG, KT, OM, GBE, AC, QSO.

Also present were Commander, His Royal Highness The Duke of York CVO, ADC, Royal Navy, and the Commander of the Royal Naval College, Commander J M C Maughan LVO, OBE, Royal Navy.

The end of an era

The last Trafalgar Night Dinner under the White Ensign was a unique occasion. It commemorated the death of Admiral Lord Nelson in 1805, and the lowering of the White Ensign marked the moment the Royal Naval College ceased to be a commissioned Naval establishment after a tenure of 125 years.

The Royal Naval College invited Presentation Matters! at Othens On Line in Greenwich to be their partners in recording this unique event.

The back cover of the video, detailing the three royal guests who attended the dinner.

This Limited Edition video records the last Mess Dinner of the Royal Naval College, in the great Painted Hall where Nelson lay in state for three days, prior to his funeral and burial at St Paul's Cathedral.

Unique Naval traditions recorded

The three Royal Guests joined the Mess in the traditional British Naval meal. Some of the traditions have been filmed for the first time. Highlights include:

• Parading the Baron of Beef - representative of the victory feast after battle. The Final Dinner was unique in the use of all femal chefs.
• Ships of the Line - stewardesses walking up and down with the chocolate ships 'on fire'. This represents the re-enactment of battle.
• Sea Cadets and Drummers from the Royal Hospital School can be seen reinforcing naval tradition.
• Beating The Retreat at Sunset with the Band of the Royal Marines, Portsmouth. This commemorated the end of battle each day. The playing of the Evening Hymn is followed by Sunset.
• Unique footage of the lowering of the White Ensign and the presentation by the Commander of the College to the Admiral of the Fleet, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. The White Ensign now hangs in the Chapel.

Last chance to buy this historic video

We only have a limited number of these historic videos left. When they're gone, they're gone! They are priced at only £12.50 with free postage and packing to UK destinations.

Malcolm Godfrey from Time For Greenwich was closely involved in the organisation of this historic Dinner, so if you have any questions don't hesitate to call him on 07739 462156 (mobile).