Queen’s Bargemaster resigns over Marchioness row

Dwan was asked to resign from the ceremonial role by Buckingham Palace following protests from relatives and survivors of the Marchioness tragedy.

Mr Dwan co-owns Tidal Cruises – based at Lambeth Pier, opposite Lambeth Palace – which owned the Marchioness. The boat sank in 1989 killing 51 people when it hit the Bowbelle dredger on the Thames near Southwark Bridge.

A spokeswoman for Buckingham Palace said: "He was asked to resign by Buckingham Palace and has done so.

"He has resigned in light of his involvement with the Marchioness."

Reacting to news of the appointment, Margaret Lockwood-Croft – whose son Shaun died in the Marchioness disaster – told the Evening Standard: "I find it totally unjust, inappropriate and unacceptable. What next, is he going to be knighted by the Queen?"

Mrs Lockwood-Croft, a member of the Marchioness Action Group, added: "Dwan was severely criticised during the public inquiry into the Marchioness disaster for his company's lack of proper safety procedures, yet here we have the Lord Chamberlain's Office giving him a prestigious position on the river."

Southwark Cathedral houses a memorial to the victims of the disaster.