The Royal Navy marked, on Wednesday, anniversary of the Queen’s accession to the throne by flying pennants the length of one of its most versatile warships in Plymouth. The amphibious command and control ship HMS Bulwark which can carry tanks and troops to land ashore, flew the flags from bow to stern for the day – known as ‘dressed overall’ in the Royal Navy.
The Queen as Sovereign is Head of the Armed Forces, including the Royal Navy. She is also the wife, mother and grandmother of individuals either having served, or are currently serving, in the Armed Forces.
The Queen is the only person to declare war and peace.
The monarch is supported by other members of the Royal Family who have special relationships with the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.
These relationships are either an honorary position or as a serving officer. Regular visits to naval bases and ships strengthen the relationships including to HMS Ocean in Plymouth of which she is the sponsor.
The Duke of Edinburgh holds the position of Lord High Admiral in the Royal Navy and the rank of Admiral of the Fleet in the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal New Zealand Navy, he is Admiral of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets and Captain General of the Royal Marines.
In his younger years Prince Philip served with the Royal Navy rising to the rank of Commander. He was mentioned in despatches in 1941.
The Prince of Wales holds the rank of Admiral in the Royal Navy and is Commodore-in-Chief for Plymouth. He served in the Royal Navy where he took command of his own ship in 1976.
Prince William holds the rank of Lieutenant in the RAF and is Commodore-in-Chief for Scotland and Submarines. The Prince undertook an attachment with the Royal Navy in 2008.
The Duke of York holds the rank of Captain and is Commodore-in-Chief for the Fleet Air Arm. Prince Andrew served for over 20 years in the Royal Navy where he saw active service as part of the task force that sailed to the South Atlantic to regain the Falkland Islands in 1982.
The Earl of Wessex is Commodore-in-Chief for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. Prince Edward spent three years in the Royal Marines as a University Cadet.
The Princess Royal holds the rank of Rear Admiral as Chief Commandant for Women in the Royal Navy. She has Special Relationships with Plymouth-based submarine HMS Talent and landing ship HMS Albion and is Commodore-in-Chief for Portsmouth.
Prince Michael of Kent holds the rank of Honorary Rear Admiral Royal Naval Reserve and is Commodore-in-Chief of the Maritime Reserve.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, February 7, 2013; Image: Royal Navy