The King meets with families at the Naval base(Image: Royal Navy)

The King meets Royal Navy submariners and families in special visit

King Charles is Head of The Armed Forces

by · PlymouthLive

His Majesty King Charles III recognised the dedication of Royal Navy submariners when he visited the home of the UK Submarine Service on Thursday, September 19, 2024. The King met with dozens of serving submariners and their families at Coulport, part of HM Naval Base Clyde, taking the opportunity to thank them for their service on behalf of the nation.

Welcomed on-site by First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Ben Key KCB CBE, His Majesty received the Royal Salute before being greeted by senior members of the Royal Navy. The event marked the first time that His Majesty has visited the Naval Base as Head of The Armed Forces, although he has been to the military site in 2011 and 2013 as, The Prince of Wales.

“His Majesty’s visit, his first here as Commander-in-Chief of the British Armed Forces, acknowledges the valuable service of our submariners,” said Commodore Paul Dunn OBE, Commodore of the Submarine Service. The Royal Navy’s unbroken 55-year record of Continuous At Sea Deterrence is a tremendous source of pride, showcasing the skill, professionalism, and dedication of our defence enterprise.

“This remarkable national endeavour, entrusted to us since 1969, has seen our submariners and their families make significant sacrifices in the defence of our country.”

Scroll down to see pictures form the Royal visit:

As well as meeting with Royal Navy submariners and their families, The King also took time to visit one of the Vanguard-class submarines which deliver the nuclear deterrent(Image: Royal Navy)
During his visit The King met with a group of Gold Deterrent Pin holders, giving his personal thanks for their outstanding contribution(Image: Royal Navy)
Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Longhurst was among the submariners who were lucky enough to bring their family members to meet The King. “Meeting The King with my wife and shipmates today was a truly special moment, marking the culmination of my service as a Royal Navy submariner. It has been a challenging but fulfilling 23 years, seven of which have been underwater,” said Chief Longhurst(Image: Royal Navy)
The King spent time to talk with families(Image: Royal Navy)