Queen Camilla celebrates her 78th birthday today, and King Charles III has marked the occasion with a truly unique and meaningful gesture—one that can’t be wrapped in paper or tied with a bow.
The King, 76, and Camilla recently celebrated 20 years of marriage with a grand state visit to Italy in April. Now, as Camilla turns another year older, Charles has honored her with something symbolic and historic—delivered a day early, according to a statement from the Royal Navy.
Making Royal History
Rather than a material item, Camilla has been granted a prestigious new title: Vice Admiral of the United Kingdom. This honorary role, appointed directly by the King, came following her recent visit to the rainy Devonport Naval Base.
With this title, Camilla becomes the first woman in history to ever hold the position—making her appointment a landmark moment in the British monarchy. She is also just the second royal family member to receive this honor.
A Rare Appointment
The position of Vice Admiral is granted solely by the sovereign, based on the recommendation of the First Sea Lord, currently Sir Gwyn Jenkins. The title dates back to the reign of Henry VIII and was most recently held by Admiral The Lord Boyce.
Sir Gwyn Jenkins said the appointment will “further enhance Her Majesty’s relationship with the Service.”
In a statement, he added: “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.”
A Special Ceremony at Devonport
To commemorate her new role, Camilla was presented with a burgee (a ceremonial pennant) by Rear Admiral Andy Perks, head of the Submarine Service. The custom pennant was a token of appreciation for her ongoing support for the Naval Service.
During her 90-minute visit, the Queen took part in a ceremony by the water to mark the end of the first chapter in HMS Astute’s career. She met with submariners and their families to talk about life in service and the sacrifices made by loved ones back home.
Heartfelt Words from the Crew
Executive Officer Lieutenant Commander Will Dobson reflected on the significance of the visit: “We have done multiple operations around the world, so today means everything – that bit of recognition, not for us, but for our families.”
He continued: “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.”
Chief Petty Officer Stuart ‘Splash’ Ashdown 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.”