Prince Philip Endorses HMS Magpie's New Rallying Cry The survey ship’s new motto is 'lux in tenebris lucet', which translates as 'shine light into darkness'.

 14th January 2021 at 4:58pm

The Duke of Edinburgh has given his seal of approval to the motto adopted by one of the Royal Navy’s smallest ships.

HMS Magpie’s new motto is 'lux in tenebris lucet', which translates as 'shine light into darkness'.

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"The motto is aimed at complementing the ship's crest with the black annulet symbolising the darkness and the light within," Lieutenant Commander Mark White, Magpie’s Commanding Officer, said.

"I hope that adopting a motto will further embellish the already splendid ship's crest and act to inspire those who serve in her."

Prince Philip has endorsed the new motto, which is unique across the fleet and has been selected to be non-specific to the survey vessel, so future Magpies can rise to it, whatever their mission or role.

The Duke of Edinburgh being saluted on board HMS Magpie in Malta in the 1950s (Picture: Royal Navy).

Prince Philip receives regular updates on the small craft, which is the ninth vessel to be named Magpie.

Other ships to carry the name include a frigate commanded by Prince Philip from 1950.

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Magpie is 18m long and traces her history back more than two centuries, but has never had a rallying cry, unlike many ships and submarines in the fleet.

HMS Magpie is currently undergoing her annual maintenance period across the water from her home base of Devonport.

The survey ship will return to action this month and collect data and information about the waters and coastline of the nation’s key harbours.

Cover image: Royal Navy.