Princess Anne has officially opened a new attraction celebrating more than 360 years of Royal Marines history. The Princess Royal attended the opening of the £15 million Royal Marines Experience at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard on Wednesday evening, joining General Gwyn Jenkins for the Corps' 362nd birthday celebrations and a first look at its new home inside Boathouse 6.
Opening to the public the following day, the immersive attraction promises far more than a traditional museum visit. The collection traces the Royal Marines' extraordinary history through artefacts and accounts of daring missions, including all ten Victoria Crosses awarded to members of the Corps from the Crimean War through to the Second World War.
Lead curator James Daly described the project as an opportunity to tell a story that reaches far beyond military achievements. He explained that the team had worked closely with the Marines to create an experience reflecting both the Corps' modern identity and its remarkable heritage.
The exhibition space has been meticulously designed to engage visitors of all ages, utilizing cutting-edge interactive technology alongside priceless historical artifacts. Organizers hope the multimillion-pound facility will serve as both an educational hub and a lasting tribute to the generations of commandos who have served in defense of the realm.
Visitors entering the venue are immediately greeted by dramatic audiovisual presentations that recreate the intense environments in which commandos operate. From amphibious landings to arctic survival, the displays highlight the grueling training and adaptability required to earn the coveted green beret.
General Gwyn Jenkins praised the collaborative effort that brought the project to fruition, emphasizing that the new attraction authentically captures the spirit, ethos, and camaraderie of the elite force. He noted that connecting the public with these stories is vital for understanding the modern military.
Among the standout pieces on display are personal diaries, uniform evolutions, and equipment used in some of the most daring clandestine operations of the 20th and 21st centuries. Each exhibit is carefully contextualized to show how tactics and technology have evolved over more than three and a half centuries.
Funding for the ambitious project came from a combination of public grants, charitable donations, and Heritage Lottery support. The successful completion of Boathouse 6 marks a major milestone in the ongoing regeneration of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard as a premier cultural destination.
Educational outreach programs are already being planned in coordination with local schools and youth organizations to ensure that the next generation learns about leadership, resilience, and service. Special workshops and guided tours will form a core part of the visitor experience moving forward.
As the celebrations concluded, Princess Anne took time to speak with veterans, serving personnel, and the design teams who worked tirelessly on the build. The royal endorsement underscores the profound respect and national significance attached to the Royal Marines legacy in the United Kingdom and beyond.