Penarth RNLI volunteers were guests at a royal garden party to mark the 200th birthday of the lifesaving charity.

The event, at Buckingham Palace, was made possible by the King himself.

The RNLI 200th Anniversary Garden Party was hosted on May 23, by The Princess Royal, The Duke of Kent, and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence.

2,500 guests were in attendance, among them, beach lifeguards, water safety volunteers, and long-serving staff.

Key figures from Penarth Lifeboat Station, with nearly 200 years of combined service, Jim Lock, Jason Dunlop, Karl Lawrence, Andrew Vye Parminter and Gareth Wigmore, attended.

RNLI chief executive Mark Dowie said: "We are incredibly honoured that His Majesty The King has granted permission for the RNLI 200th Anniversary Garden Party to take place at Buckingham Palace in celebration of 200 years of saving lives at sea.

"Volunteers are the lifeblood of the RNLI."

The Duke of Kent, who has been president of the RNLI since 1969, was present to celebrate the charity's efforts.

Under his presidency, the volunteer lifeboat crews and beach lifeguards have saved more than 51,000 lives.

Also expressing her gratitude was head of volunteering at the RNLI, Donna McReath: "I would like to thank each and every one of our incredible volunteers.

"We couldn’t do what we do without their vital support and the time and effort they generously dedicate in a wide variety of roles.

"This special garden party is a wonderful opportunity to recognise and celebrate the joy and impact of volunteering for the RNLI."

Since its creation, the RNLI has rescued more than 146,277 lives, averaging two lives saved each day for 200 years.

Today, the charity operates 238 lifeboat stations across the UK and Ireland, and staff around 240 beaches with seasonal lifeguards.