Queen Camilla has become the first woman to be named Vice Admiral of the United Kingdom.
Queen Camilla has become the first woman to be named Vice Admiral of the United Kingdom.
The Royal Navy has confirmed the title was bestowed on the monarch by her husband King Charles on Wednesday (16.07.25), one day before her 78th birthday.
In a statement, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins RM, 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.”
He added that her appointment would “further enhance Her Majesty’s relationship with the Service”.
The queen is the first woman and only the second member of the Royal Family to be given the title, which can only be appointed by the sovereign on the nomination of the First Sea Lord.
Before being named Vice Admiral, Queen Camilla visited HMS Astute at the Devonport Naval Base.
During the visit, she inspected a Royal Guard of submariners, and went aboard Astute’s deck for a photo with those who have commanded the boast over the past two decades.
The HMS Astute’s first commssion was formally ended, with the Ensign and Union Flag lowered as the National Anthem played.
Following the formal ceremonies, Queen Camilla and King Charles joined a garden party on the grounds of HMS Drake.
Chief Petty Officer Stuart ‘Splash’ Ashdown was a member of the commissioning crew of Astute, and he was present for the end of the first chapter of its career.
In a statement, he added: “It’s nice to come full circle – and meet the Queen again.
“She is constantly in touch, sending letters, Christmas cards and the like when we’re away.
“For the crew, today is an important event. Every member of HMS Astute’s crew has put a lot of work in over the past 15 years, but the current crew especially, to keep her at sea and provide an operational platform.
Queen Camilla gets historic title with Royal Navy
