Queen Camilla arrived at HMNB Devonport in Plymouth this afternoon to commemorate the end of HMS Astute's historic first commission, the longest in Royal Navy submarine history at 15 years.
The Queen, who has served as the submarine's Lady Sponsor since naming the vessel in 2007, spoke of the "steep learning curve" ahead when the vessel returns to service.
Her Majesty was welcomed by HMS Astute's Commanding Officer, Commander Christopher Bate, after which she inspected a Guard of Honour comprised of submariners before descending onto the submarine's deck for the decommissioning ceremony.
The occasion marks a significant milestone for the Royal Navy's lead attack submarine, which has completed 307 million nautical miles and 357 harbour entries during its remarkable service.
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|Queen Camilla spoke to mark the end of submarine HMS Astute's first commission
During the ceremony, Queen Camilla delivered a speech to the Ship's Company and their families, reflecting on her 18-year role as Lady Sponsor.
"18 years ago, I was enormously proud to visit Barrow-in-Furness as your newly appointed Lady Sponsor. 11 careful owners, 307 million nautical miles, and 357 harbour entries later, it is such a pleasure to bring together the entire Ship's Company to celebrate HMS Astute's first commission," the Queen said.
She praised the submarine's technological achievements, noting how "her warfare trials on the Eastern Seaboard of the US were so successful, proving virtually impossible to detect, that the US Navy had to update their own exercises to match her."
The Queen acknowledged the crew's exceptional service, highlighting examples ranging from a Petty Officer's innovation in coding long-range communications software to the resourceful use of clingfilm to maintain a vacuum in the Indian Ocean.
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|The Queen has been Lady Patron of HMS Astute since naming the vessel in 2007
"It is this inquisitive spirit and razor-sharp professionalism that has steered you all through dangerous waters and, thanks to your efforts, ensured the safety of this nation and our allies," she said.
The Queen added cheekily: "I suspect that the novelty of having one’s own bunk was enough to make her ‘first of class, and second to none'."
"There is no doubt that our Navy will miss her as she undergoes her refit for her next commission, and we may all find ourselves again at the start of another steep learning curve as software updates, novel technology, and enhanced weaponry transform the submarine you know so well," she continued.
"That aside, and with global tectonics shifting unpredictably, she may emerge for her second commission into an unfamiliar world – a challenge that I know will be taken on with her usual tenacity," the Queen praised.
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|HMS Astute has been in service for 15 years, the longest serving submarine in the Royal Navy
Her Majesty paid special tribute to the families, describing them as "lighthouses, keeping an unceasing watch for their return" during periods of limited connectivity.
"I am sure that there are mixed emotions for you all today; as this close family disperses and another, in several years, takes shape as she is again ready to set sail."
She concluded her address with the traditional naval order: "Splice the Mainbrace."
Following the Queen's speech, Commander Christopher Bate read the Commissioning Warrant before the Ensign and Union Flag were lowered and the National Anthem played.
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|The Queen received a 'Cheer Ship' salute from the submariners
The Ship's Company then performed a traditional 'Cheer Ship' salute for their Lady Sponsor, a special Royal Navy honour.
HMS Astute has recently completed nine months of submarine operations in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, actively defending British interests.
The nuclear-powered attack submarine will now enter its Mid Life Revalidation Programme, undergoing a comprehensive refit before beginning its second commission.
Her Majesty joined current and former Commanding Officers of HMS Astute for a group photograph to commemorate the historic occasion.