In a historic moment for the Royal Navy, Queen Camilla has become the first woman and first member of the Royal Family to be appointed Vice Admiral of the United Kingdom.
The title dates back more than 500 years having been established in 1513 by Henry VIII.
The appointment recognises Her Majesty’s long-standing and deeply personal support for the Royal Navy, particularly her close relationship with HMS Astute, Britain’s hunter-killer submarine.
The announcement was made prior to her visit to HM Naval Base Devonport in Plymouth, where she attended a ceremony marking the end of HMS Astute’s record-breaking first 15-year commission.
During the visit, The Queen inspected a Guard of Honour of submariners, then boarded HMS Astute where she participated in formal proceedings to mark the end of the submarine’s first commission.
Those who have commanded the boat over the past 20 years gathered for a group photograph on the ship’s deck.
The formal act of ending HMS Astute’s first commission took place, with Tte Ensign and Union Flag was then ceremonially lowered, with the National Anthem playing, with the crew then conducting a traditional “Cheer Ship” in her honour.
The presentation of the burgee by Rear Admiral Perks also took place which symbolically marked Her Majesty’s appointment as Vice Admiral of the United Kingdom.
Ahead of her 78th Birthday, Queen Camilla received a special gift from the Ship’s Company – a specially engraved clingfilm holder. The meaning behind this gift comes from an inside joke as clingfilm kept the sub going when they used it to wrap the engines over 2 years ago. At the time, Her Majesty was amused by this and upon seeing the present, she remarked “the famous clingfilm!” The company had engraved the gift with a special message – “Clingfilm, keeping Nuclear Submarines at Sea”.
Camilla’s most recent visit to HMS Astute, prior to the decommission, took place five years ago in Faslane, whilst the ship was on a break in operations. Unable to shake hands due to the pandemic at the time, she expressed heartfelt gratitude to the crew:
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service. I remember so well 27th August, 2010, as we watched this magnificent boat enter into active service. While I half-jokingly wondered if I would ever join you for a dive, somewhat to my relief, that has not yet proved possible.”
Commander Christopher Bate, the vessel’s Commanding Officer, praised the Queen’s enduring commitment, stating that ‘Her Majesty The Queen has supported us from the very beginning. Her continued engagement with our activities and achievements over the years has meant a great deal to us. It is a proud and memorable moment to welcome Her Majesty to HMS Astute and for her to meet our families.’
Furthermore, Gen Sir Gwyn Jenkins, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, said ‘we are honoured to welcome Her Majesty the Queen to HM Naval Base Devonport. Her Majesty’s visit has been a tremendous boost to morale, and the honorary appointment reflects the high regard in which Her Majesty is held by all of us.’
HMS Astute is to visit Australia, in supporting HMS Queen Elizabeth’s carrier group deployment and the AUKUS partnership with Washington and Canberra; the through the Suez Canal; the first to visit the USA (for extensive weapons/sonar trials).
Queen Camilla has long been an advocate for the Royal Navy. In addition to HMS Astute, she also holds the position of Lady Sponsor of HMS Prince of Wales, which is currently deployed in the Pacific, and additionally holds honorary titles as Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Navy Medical Service and Naval Chaplaincy Services.
