Queen Camilla has made history by becoming the first woman and first member of the Royal Family to be appointed Vice Admiral of the United Kingdom.
The honorary appointment was announced ahead of her attendance at a ceremony at Devonport naval base in Plymouth on Wednesday.
The Queen will join the ship's company of HMS Astute to mark the end of the submarine's record-breaking 15-year first commission.
As Lady Sponsor of the vessel, she has maintained close ties with the submarine since naming it in 2007.
Queen Camilla makes history as first woman in the Royal Family to receive prestigious titleGen Sir Gwyn Jenkins, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, said the appointment would "further enhance Her Majesty's relationship with the service" and reflected the "high regard" in which she is held by all.
The office of Vice Admiral of the United Kingdom dates back to the mid-16th century, having been created by Henry VIII in 1513.
The most recent holder was Admiral Lord Boyce, the former First Sea Lord and Chief of the Defence Staff, who died in 2022 aged 79.
Lord Boyce had enjoyed a distinguished naval career spanning four decades, rising from officer cadet to chief of the defence staff. He succeeded Sir Donald Gosling, who passed away in 2019 aged 90.
Getty
|The Queen will join the ship's company of HMS Astute to mark the end of the submarine's record-breaking 15-year first commission.
Sir Donald was appointed Vice Admiral of the United Kingdom by Elizabeth II in 2012, recognising his contribution to maritime life and the Royal Navy.
A passionate advocate for the sea, he campaigned for a new Royal Yacht Britannia and reportedly left £50 million in his will for the project.
The Queen, 77, has maintained a special relationship with HMS Astute since watching it enter service in 2010. As Lady Sponsor, she is considered a member of the submarine's ship's company and has stayed closely connected with the 135-strong crew.
Her support has included writing to crew members at least once a year. Recent care packages have featured English breakfast tea and shortbread, which were "really well received on board" according to naval sources.
The Queen previously visited the submarine during a break in operations at Faslane five years ago.
LATEST ROYAL NEWS:
Getty
|The Queen previously visited the submarine during a break in operations at Faslane five years ago.
During Wednesday's ceremony at Devonport, the Queen will inspect a Guard of Honour consisting of submariners before descending onto the submarine's deck.
The Ensign and Union flag will be lowered, the National Anthem played, and the ship's company will perform a traditional "Cheer Ship" salute.
Commander Christopher Bate, HMS Astute's Commanding Officer, expressed the crew's pride in the Queen's sponsorship. "Her Majesty The Queen has supported us from the very beginning," he said.
"She has consistently shown a deep commitment to all aspects of our work."
He added: "It is a proud and memorable moment to welcome Her Majesty to HMS Astute and for her to meet our families as we mark the end of our first commission."
HMS Astute will now undergo a major overhaul at Devonport before beginning its second commission.