David King, founder of Princess Yachts, has died at 84 after more than six decades with the company he helped establish. King co-founded Marine Projects in Plymouth, England, in 1965, growing the small boatbuilder into Princess Yachts, a leading luxury yacht manufacturer.
Born in Dundee, Scotland, King studied engineering at the Royal Naval College in Dartmouth while serving in the Royal Navy. He remained connected to Princess Yachts after stepping away from day-to-day leadership, frequently visiting the company’s yard.
“For more than six decades, David dedicated his life to Princess. His vision, curiosity, humility and unwavering belief in people shaped not only the yachts we build but the company we are today,” a company statement said. “His influence will be felt at Princess for generations to come.”
