"I want to help break the glass ceiling": HMS Sultan Officer to represent Royal Navy at first Lady Mayor's Show

Lieutenant Amy Durand, logistics officer at HMS Sultan and the establishment's foreign and commonwealth officer, is gearing up for an unforgettable moment in her career, as she prepares to represent the Royal Navy at the Lady Mayor's Show on Saturday (November 8).

The event, which dates back to the 13th century and is the longest-running civic procession in the world, will celebrate Alderwoman Dame Susan Langley DBE as she becomes the third female Lord Mayor of London and the first to be styled Lady Mayor.

Lt Durand will march as part of the Women in Defence UK entry, themed - 'The women who defend us' - showcasing the diverse range of careers available across the defence sector.

She said: “I feel proud. Women in general have made a lot of strides and it's an exciting time for us as women, both in defence and in wider society.

“With the first Lady Mayor appointed, I think it's an exciting opportunity and speaking to my fellow counterparts, they're all equally as excited."

Amy, who is originally from Dominica in the Caribbean, joined the Royal Navy back in March 2008 at 17 years old as a supply chain rating. She was then commissioned as a logistics officer in April 2023, and has been serving at HMS Sultan since June 2024.

Lt Durand said: "Leaving my island and home to come to a completely different country was a challenge in itself. The weather was definitely a difference, as was the culture.

“But I leaned on the experiences of those around me and the encouragement and support my family provided.

"I've been fortunate to successfully crossover as a commissioned officer, which not many have been able to do. I hope that in so doing, I inspire others to push and break those glass ceilings."

As HMS Sultan's Foreign and Commonwealth Officer, Lt Durand supports personnel from Commonwealth backgrounds and is an active member of the Royal Navy Commonwealth Network, having been part of the original group when it was founded

She explained: "The Commonwealth network is always a good starting point throughout your career.

"It offers people from the Commonwealth who are serving a place where they can network with others and their families can also share their lived experiences and advice."

The parade, which will commence at 10.30am, will feature a mixed group of Royal Navy, Army and RAF personnel, alongside MOD Civil Servants and defence industry partners.

The procession will travel through the City of London, with participants walking approximately three miles through historic locations including Mansion House, St Paul's Cathedral and the Royal Courts of Justice.

The parade will be broadcast live on the BBC, with Amy saying her family back in Dominica “will be on standby” watching.