Queen Camila to be made vice admiral in recognition of Royal Navy support
The news that the Queen to be made vice admiral in recognition of her ongoing support for the Royal Navy has been welcomed across the service and comes at a time when the role of the monarchy in the UK’s armed forces continues to resonate strongly with the public. Londoners may feel an extra connection to the announcement, as it was confirmed during a City of London event earlier this week.
General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, the First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff, confirmed that the honorary appointment will “further enhance Her Majesty’s relationship with the service.” The Queen, who has long shown a steady interest in military life, is already the sponsor of HMS Astute and has been closely associated with the submarine and its crew since it was formally named almost two decades ago. This new title reflects, in Sir Gwyn’s words,
“the high regard in which Her Majesty is held by all of us.”
The honorary role dates back to the mid‑16th century, a reminder of the deep history of the Royal Navy and its ceremonial connections. When the Queen visits Devonport naval base in the coming weeks, she will be formally presented with a burgee, or pennant, by Rear Admiral Andy Perks, head of the submarine service. It will be a significant moment for the crew of HMS Astute, whose first commission has become the longest in the Royal Navy’s history.
At the recent City of London engagement where the announcement was first made public, the Queen was installed as an honorary freeman and liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers, a company with historical ties to the Royal Marines. In a lighter moment, she joked with Sir Gwyn about not wanting to serve on a submarine herself, recognising the highly specialised and challenging nature of life below the surface. Sir Gwyn, himself a Royal Marine, described submariners as having “a very special skill set,” requiring commitment, teamwork and resilience that are not for everyone.
HMS Astute’s commanding officer, Commander Christopher Bate, spoke warmly of the Queen’s longstanding involvement: “Her Majesty the Queen has supported us from the very beginning, she has consistently shown a deep commitment to all aspects of our work. Her continued engagement with our activities and achievements over the years has meant a great deal to us.” The submarine will now undergo a major overhaul at Devonport, ensuring it can continue its patrols safeguarding the UK’s maritime interests for years to come.
If you’d like a clearer look at how the Royal Navy is organised and the traditions behind its ceremonial roles, visit the official Royal Navy website for further details.
For more updates on the Queen’s ceremonial roles and insights into London’s ongoing ties with the UK’s armed forces, visit EyeOnLondon – and we’d love to hear your views in the comments.
Follow us on:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest videos and updates!
We value your thoughts! Share your feedback and help us make EyeOnLondon even better!
