Happy Birthday to Queen Camilla!
The Queen celebrates her 78th birthday today—and her husband, King Charles III, has certainly made it memorable with a very special gift.
The 76-year-old British monarch and Queen Consort have been married for two decades, recently marking their 20th anniversary in April with an extravagant state visit to Italy.
Now, as they celebrate Camilla’s latest birthday, Charles has presented her with something beyond material value. According to a statement from the Royal Navy, the meaningful gesture was actually given a day ahead of her birthday.
So what exactly is the gift? Rather than something physical, it’s an honorary title that holds great significance and historical weight.
By order of the King, Queen Camilla has been appointed Vice Admiral of the United Kingdom, following her recent visit to the rain-soaked Devonport Naval Base.
She has now become the first woman in history to hold this title, making it a milestone moment for the British Royal Family. Additionally, she is only the second royal family member to ever receive the title.
This honorary position can only be granted by the reigning monarch, and must be recommended by the First Sea Lord—currently Sir Gwyn Jenkins.
The title itself dates back to King Henry VIII and was last held by Admiral The Lord Boyce.
Sir Gwyn Jenkins stated that the role will “further strengthen Her Majesty’s connection with the Service.”
In his official remarks, the naval chief said:
“We are honoured to welcome Her Majesty The Queen to HM Naval Base Devonport. Her Majesty’s visit has been a tremendous morale boost, and the honorary appointment reflects the high regard in which Her Majesty is held by all of us.”
To commemorate the occasion, Queen Camilla received a burgee (a special pennant) from Rear Admiral Andy Perks, head of the Submarine Service.
The gesture was a sign of gratitude for her long-standing and wide-ranging support for naval operations.
During the visit, Her Majesty spent approximately 90 minutes at the naval base. She first attended a ceremony at the waterfront, marking the end of the first operational chapter of HMS Astute.
She also met with crew members and their families, engaging in conversations about the emotional and personal challenges that come with submarine patrols, both for those on duty and their loved ones back home.
Executive Officer Lieutenant Commander Will Dobson shared:
“We’ve carried out numerous operations across the globe, so today means a lot—not so much for us, but for our families.”
He added:
“They endure far more when we’re deployed than we do. We’re doing what we love—what we signed up for.
Having the chance for them to meet The Queen and be acknowledged like this—it’s incredibly meaningful.
People don’t often hear much about our work, so this is excellent visibility for the Submarine Service overall.”
Chief Petty Officer Stuart “Splash” Ashdown also reflected:
“It’s come full circle—meeting The Queen again is an honour.
She’s always been thoughtful, sending letters and Christmas cards while we’re away.
For the crew, this is a huge day. Every sailor aboard HMS Astute has put in tremendous effort over the past 15 years—especially the current team—to keep her operational and mission-ready.”
