Friday, 5th June 2026
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS Prince William joined Royal Navy submariners and their families this week to help mark the 125th anniversary of the Submarine Service.
Prince William, who is known as the Duke of Rothesay in Scotland and is Commodore-in-Chief of the Submarine Service, visited HM Naval Base Clyde, the navy’s operating base for its Submarine Flotilla.
Welcoming him to the military site was Rear Admiral Andy Perks MBE, Head of the Submarine Service, and Commodore Ben Haskins CBE, Commander of the Submarine Flotilla, who were joined by Naval Base Commander Clyde, Commodore Sharon Malkin CBE ADC.
“It was a great honour to welcome His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, Commodore-in-Chief of the Submarine Service, to HM Naval Base Clyde,” said Rear Admiral Andy Perks.
“The Prince of Wales spent time with our people, recognising the skill, dedication and teamwork that define the Submarine Service. From maintaining our Strategic Deterrent to delivering operations worldwide, our people work quietly but tirelessly, and this visit was a valued acknowledgement of their extraordinary contribution.”
The Royal Navy Submarine Service began with the arrival of its first vessel, Holland 1, in 1901.
The navy recruited six officers under the command of Captain Reginald Bacon, who was appointed “Inspecting Captain of Submarines”.
Initially dismissed as “underhand, unfair, and damned un-English”, submarines quickly proved their worth as effective weapons of war.
By the start of the First World War in 1914, the Silent Service had grown to 168 officers and 1,250 Ratings. During the conflict, the Submarine Service was awarded five of the Royal Navy’s Victoria Crosses and went on to earn a total of 14 during its 125-year history.
Commander of the Submarine Flotilla, Commodore Ben Haskins, said: “It was a true privilege to welcome the Duke of Rothesay to the home of the Submarine Service as our Commodore-in-Chief. The visit was particularly special in the 125th anniversary year of the commissioning of the first Royal Navy submarine, HMS Holland 1.
“His Royal Highness’ support to our superb submariners and enthusiasm for the Service are humbling. Together, we share a commitment to improving the conditions of service for those within the Flotilla and their families, and this close relationship continues to make a meaningful difference to our people.”
While at the Faslane site, Prince William took the opportunity to meet with women in the Submarine Service as part of his ongoing efforts to learn about the experiences and welfare of women in the armed forces.
He also toured a Vanguard Class submarine, one of four which maintain the UK’s nuclear deterrent. While onboard the vessel, he presented trainees with their gold dolphins – the badge that signifies they have completed training to become fully qualified Royal Navy submariners.
Among them was Drew, a 19-year-old submariner, who has recently completed his ten-week submarine training course.
“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,” said Drew.
“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.”
Travelling to the nearby Drumfork Community Centre in Helensburgh, His Royal Highness finished his visit by meeting with the often “silent heroes” of the Silent Service – the families of submariners.
Kayleigh, whose husband was onboard the Vanguard Class submarine during the Prince’s visit earlier in the day, said: “I was very nervous to meet him, but he was incredibly kind and a warm person. It was an honour to meet him.
“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.”
Kayleigh was accompanied by her ten-year-old daughter, Olivia, who said: “The Prince was much taller than I expected!”
Today, the Royal Navy Submarine Service provides the UK with unique military capabilities. Submarines can operate undetected, contribute to intelligence gathering, special operations, and can carry out surprise attacks.
They also provide a deterrent effect. The Royal Navy’s Vanguard Class submarines contribute to the delivery of the UK’s Continuous At Sea Deterrent (CASD), a mission which has been fulfilled, unbroken, since 1969.
From the 2030s, the nuclear deterrent baton will be passed to a new generation of submarines – the Dreadnought Class.
The UK government is investing millions of pounds at HM Naval Base Clyde to prepare for the Dreadnought vessels. Last year, a £270M investment package was approved – an initial three-year funding to be used to adapt and improve infrastructure at the Clyde base.
Part of the improvements includes the construction of four new Single Living Accommodation (SLA) blocks. The first two, earmarked for Submariner students undertaking training at Clyde’s new Royal Navy Submarine Training Centre (RNSTC), are scheduled to open later this year.
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