Camilla Visits HMS Astute In Faslane

The Duchess of Rothesay has visited HM Naval Base Clyde to mark the 10th anniversary of HMS Astute's commissioning.

Camilla, who is the Lady Sponsor of the Astute Class submarine, met the boat's commanding officer and some of her crew on Thursday.

Commander David Crosby gave Camilla an operational update on the submarine and accompanied her to the shiplift facility where it is undergoing maintenance.

From there, the Duchess addressed the crew members and thanked them for their ongoing dedication and commitment.

She said: "I am certain that, just as you have always done, you will continue to carry out your duties with the pride that comes of being at the forefront of our naval prowess.

"May you always return safely to harbour."

Cdr Crosby said it was a "great honour" to show the royal the submarine.

Camilla also handed out awards to some of HMS Astute's crew.

The Admiral Max Horton Award, given to the best Warfare Officer during Basic Submarine Qualification, was presented to Lieutenant Craig Barrie.

While Lieutenant James Montgomery received the Beaufort-Wharton Testimonial Award for achieving the highest marks in the Initial Warfare course at HMS Collingwood during Warfare Officer Phase 2 Training.

No family were able to attend the ceremony due to COVID-19.

HM Naval Base Clyde, also known as Faslane, is the home of the Royal Navy submarine service.

It is where HMS Astute and her three sister boats are based.

The Astute-class submarines are the largest, most advanced and most powerful attack submarines ever operated by the Royal Navy.

Camilla also attended the commissioning at Faslane back in 2010 and she visited again in 2014, when HMS Astute returned from her first operational deployment.

Cover image: Camilla with Commander David Crosby (Picture: Royal Navy).