His Royal Highness Prince Richard, cousin of The Queen, yesterday visited the authority to unveil a plaque to officially open its refurbished Riverside Quay, which is celebrating the completion of the 10-year reinvestment programme.

More than 100 guests were there to see The Duke declare the Riverside Quay open, before boarding the Tall Ship Atlantis, and enjoying a lunch as the vessel sailed up the River Tyne, on its way to Newcastle.

As The Duke unveiled the plaque, he said: "I am reminded, as I see the river, that this has always been the gateway for North East England, where, over the last century, there have been a number of changes.

"I am delighted to play a very small part in your history in unveiling the plaque to mark your new quay.

"Presumably, every port in the world is going through a similar process – you're just a few years ahead of them.

"Hopefully you will take advantage of that lead in the years ahead to expand in all sorts of ways you have not thought of.

"I wish the very best of luck to all who come here, whether to load or to unload."

During the last 10 years, the Port of Tyne has increased its capacity to handle larger vessels, strengthened its ability to provide customers with a total supply chain service, and set North East England firmly on the route of major cruise lines.

The majestic QE2 visited the Port of Tyne in September last year, and it will be back again later this year.

Port of Tyne's managing director Keith Wilson said: "Towards the end of last year, we started to think about how we should mark the completion of the final phase of a massive decade of reinvestment.

"We decided to push the boat out, literally, in style, combining our celebration of sustained and successful business development, with a cruise for our guests on the River Tyne.

"We are delighted His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester visited the port."