The Prince of Wales travelled to Scotland’s principal naval facility on Tuesday, commemorating a significant milestone for Britain’s underwater fleet.
William, who is known as the Duke of Rothesay in Scotland and holds the position of Commodore-in-Chief of the Submarine Service, arrived at HM Naval Base Clyde in Faslane to celebrate 125 years of the Royal Navy Submarine Service.
Senior naval figures greeted the heir to the throne upon his arrival at the military installation.
Rear Admiral Andy Perks MBE, who leads the Submarine Service, welcomed the prince alongside Commodore Ben Haskins CBE, who commands the Submarine Flotilla, and Naval Base Commander Clyde, Commodore Sharon Malkin CBE ADC.
The base serves as the operational headquarters for the Royal Navy’s entire submarine fleet.
During his time aboard one of the Vanguard-class submarines, which form part of Britain’s four-vessel Trident nuclear deterrent, the Prince presented Gold Submariner’s Dolphin badges to newly qualified personnel.
Among the recipients was Drew, a 19-year-old who had recently completed his ten-week training programme.
“To have His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales present my dolphins is an absolute privilege and an experience I will remember for the rest of my life,” he said.
The Prince of Wales travelled to Scotland’s principal naval facility on Tuesday
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PA
“My dad and brother, who are both in the Royal Air Force, are jealous that I was presented with my dolphins by the future King. My mum is jealous too, but also very proud.”
William also spent time with female submariners as part of his continuing focus on understanding the experiences and welfare of women serving in the armed forces.
He additionally engaged with LGBTQ+ members of the service.
The Royal Navy Submarine Service traces its origins to 1901, when the first vessel, Holland 1, entered service.
William spent time with LGBTQ+ members of the service
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Captain Reginald Bacon was appointed as the inaugural “Inspecting Captain of Submarines”, commanding an initial cohort of six officers.
Although initially derided as “underhand, unfair, and damned un-English”, submarines swiftly demonstrated their military value.
By 1914, the Silent Service had expanded to 168 officers and 1,250 ratings, earning five Victoria Crosses during the First World War and 14 throughout its history.
“The Prince of Wales spent time with our people, recognising the skill, dedication and teamwork that define the Submarine Service,” said Rear Admiral Andy Perks.
Commodore Ben Haskins stated: “His Royal Highness’ support to our superb submariners and enthusiasm for the Service are humbling.”
Following his tour of the naval base, William made his way to Drumfork Community Centre in Helensburgh, where he met the families who support those serving beneath the waves.
These relatives, often described as the “silent heroes” of the Silent Service, included those whose loved ones had recently returned from the longest patrol undertaken by a Royal Navy nuclear-armed vessel.
William spent time with female submariners as part of his focus on understanding the experiences of women in the armed forces
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PA
Kayleigh, whose husband was aboard the Vanguard-class submarine during the prince’s earlier visit, said: “I was very nervous to meet him, but he was incredibly kind and a warm person. It was an honour to meet him.”
She added: “It is sometimes hard to be part of the submarine community, so it is nice to be recognised, especially on this occasion, by the Prince.”
Her 10-year-old daughter, Olivia, offered her own observation: “The Prince was much taller than I expected!”