By contrast a Royal Charter was issued in 1612 to the "Master, Wardens, and Commonalty of the Art or Mystery of Shipwrights of Redriff (ie.

[4] Ever since Queen Victoria's reign the Company continues to enjoy a special connection with the Royal Family, several of whom are liverymen today;[5] Having served on the Court of Assistants since 1986, Prince Charles was installed on 10 May 2011 as Prime Warden for 2011/12,[6] before succeeding his father, Lord High Admiral HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, as Permanent Master Shipwright on 16 February 2012.

King Charles III succeeded his mother as Patron in 2024, when the Shipwrights' Permanent Mastership merged with the Crown.

[7] Whilst sons and daughters of members can join as freemen of the Company, only those with a professional maritime background (military or commercial) may become liverymen.

The current Clerk to the Shipwrights' Company is Lt-Col. Richard Cole-Mackintosh,[8] whose role combines that of executive officer as well as supporting the Prime Warden: Simon Beale (for 2024/25).