The Queen Mary marked its 90th anniversary on Thursday, September 26, 2024, celebrating the day when Cunard’s legendary Job 534 was officially christened by Her Majesty Queen Mary, accompanied by His Majesty King George V. Among the highlights of the celebration was the unveiling of a meticulously hand-sewn reproduction of the Royal Standard in the Main Hall on the Promenade Deck, paying tribute to the ship’s historic past.
Attendees, dressed in elegant period attire, filled the decks and the Queen’s Salon, immersing themselves in the grandeur of the era. The celebrations commenced with the iconic “Sea of Black Umbrellas” photo, a nod to the ship’s inaugural days, as ship horns sounded off in unison. Celebrations continued into the Queen’s Salon where many speeches were made including one from Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson who gave a heartfelt speech, commemorating the significance of the Queen Mary to the city. During the ceremony, QMI, an organization dedicated to raising funds to help fund restoration projects aboard the Queen Mary, presented a check for the restoration of the magnificent Unicorns in Battle artwork, a centerpiece in the Queen’s Salon.
In addition, a special proclamation from England was presented, further honoring the legacy of this storied vessel. British Consulate-General Paul Rennie said, “As a Scot representing the British government, standing on the deck of a ship built in Scotland and now residing in an iconic American location, this is a perfect symbol of British-American partnership. The attention to detail and care put into preserving this ship is truly touching, showing that the love she inspired in her heyday continues to this day.”
A highlight of the afternoon was the unveiling of The Queen Mary’s carefully recreated Royal Standard. The original standard was gifted to the ship by Queen Mary herself, and this new replica was painstakingly crafted to restore it to its former glory. The intricate designs were hand-traced onto heavy poly-cotton fabric and painted using Windsor & Newton professional acrylics before being sewn and hemmed to perfection.
In 1936, Her Majesty Queen Mary had the Commodore and officers gather in the Main Hall under her Medallion, a moment presided over by Lady Hilton Young. On this momentous Thursday, that scene was faithfully recreated as ship’s officers, Managing Director Steve Caloca, and Director of Experiences Dylan Matteson gathered for the unveiling of the Royal Standard replica. Steve Caloca led the ceremony, delivering an inspiring speech on the importance of preserving The Queen Mary’s rich history. In a touching moment, he stepped into the crowd to embrace June Allen, a passenger who sailed aboard the Queen Mary in 1946, attending the event with her grandson.
“We’re honored to stand here today, on The Queen Mary’s 90th anniversary, as we return the Royal Standard to its home on the Grand Staircase,” said Steve Caloca. “This moment not only celebrates our past but marks the start of a new golden era on the Queen Mary. I’m deeply thankful for the dedication of our team and excited for what’s ahead as we continue to restore and elevate this iconic ship.”
Following the unveiling, guests gathered for a celebratory toast to the Royal Standard. Libations flowed in the Observation Bar, where attendees enjoyed the lively atmosphere, and then concluded in the Queen’s Salon as they danced to the sounds of Alex Mendham & His Orchestra, closing out the evening with elegance and nostalgia.
These events, along with many other new activations, mark the ship’s commitment to providing new and exciting experiences for her guests to enjoy. There is always something happening at the Queen Mary.
For those interested in seeing what exciting events are upcoming, visit QueenMary.com/whatsondeck or connect on social @TheQueenMary.