The Queen has thanked submariners and their families for their efforts to keep the nation safe when she visited Barrow-built HMS Astute.
During a rainy Devonport Naval Base, the sponsor of the nuclear-powered submarine was also formally appointed Vice Admiral of the United Kingdom, becoming first women and only second member of the Royal Family to hold the title.
She received a pennant from the head of the Submarine Service, Rear Admiral Andy Perks, to mark the historic appointment, made in gratitude for her wide-ranging support for the Naval Service.
The Queen spent around 90 minutes in the naval base, firstly by the waterside for a ceremony celebrating the end of the first chapter of HMS Astute’s career.
She inspected a Royal Guard consisting of submariners, before going aboard Astute’s casing for a photograph with those who have commanded the boat over the past 20 years.
Astute is now in Devonport to undergo a midlife refit following extensive operations around the world.
“We have done multiple operations around the world, so today means everything – that bit of recognition, not for us, but for our families,” Executive Officer Lieutenant Commander Will Dobson said. “Our families have a much harder time when we are away than we do. We are doing what we love, what we signed up to do. So for them to meet The Queen and be recognised, it’s really special.”
He added: “People do not often get to see or hear about what we do, so its good promotion for the Submarine Service in general.”
First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins RM, said the appointment would “further enhance Her Majesty’s relationship with the Service.”
