Photo Credit: Royal Navy

The Royal Navy will today appoint Her Majesty The Queen as Vice Admiral of the United Kingdom when she attends a ceremony on HMS Astute in HMNB Devonport.

The honorary appointment which dates back to the mid-16th Century, will include the formal presentation of a burgee (pennant) by Rear Admiral Andy Perks, Head of the Submarine Service – recognising Her Majesty’s ongoing support for the Royal Navy.

First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins RM, said the appointment of The Queen as Vice Admiral of the United Kingdom – would “further enhance Her Majesty’s relationship with the Service.”

He continued: “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.”

As the Sponsor to HMS Astute, The Queen will attend a ceremony to mark the end of the submarine’s first commission.

With the crew, Her Majesty will celebrate the ship’s achievements over the past 15 years – the longest first commission of any Royal Navy submarine in history.

The hunter-killer submarine is about to undergo a major overhaul at Devonport Naval Base to allow her to continue patrols safeguarding the UK’s interests for many years to come.

Commander Christopher Bate, the Commanding Officer of HMS Astute, said crew took enormous pride in Her Majesty’s sponsorship of their submarine – and her support for all aboard since she formally named HMS Astute nearly 20 years ago, as The Duchess of Cornwall.

“Her Majesty The Queen has supported us from the very beginning,” he continued.

“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. It is a proud and memorable moment to welcome Her Majesty to HMS Astute and for her meet our families as we mark the end of our first commission.”

As Sponsor, Her Majesty is regarded as a member of HMS Astute’s ship’s company, attending key moments in the vessel’s life and is kept regularly informed of the ship’s activities.

The Queen most recently visited the boat during a break in operations in Faslane five years ago.

In addition to HMS Astute, Her Majesty is Sponsor of the UK’s flagship HMS Prince of Wales, currently deployed to the Pacific, and Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Navy Medical Service and Naval Chaplaincy Services.