A speech by HRH The Duchess of Rothesay, Lady Sponsor of HMS Astute, during HRH's visit to HM Naval Base Clyde
Published
And now, as we look forward to the next ten years of ASTUTE’s service, please know that, wherever you may be, I will be holding you all in my thoughts and prayers. 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.
Commander Crosby, Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers and Ratings,
As the very proud Sponsor of H.M.S. ASTUTE, I am delighted to be with you today to mark the tenth anniversary of the Commissioning ceremony. I remember so well the 27th August 2010, as we watched this magnificent boat enter into active service. On that day, I half-jokingly wondered if I would ever join you for a dive. While that has not yet proved possible – (somewhat to my relief!) – I have taken an enormous interest in your work over the past decade. As ‘first of class and best of class’, you have covered more than 19,000 nautical miles, operating in some of the most diverse and challenging areas of the globe.
Your remarkable achievements bring to mind some wise words of Sir Winston Churchill, which are particularly resonant following this year’s V.E. and V.J. Day celebrations. Speaking of the Submarine Service during the Second World War, Churchill said:
Of all the branches of men in the forces, there is none which shows more devotion and faces grimmer perils than the submariners. Great deeds are done in the air and on the land; nevertheless, nothing surpasses your exploits.
Churchill knew of what he spoke: he had been First Lord of the Admiralty at the outbreak of the First World War. It was he who insisted that submarines be named, rather than numbered. He intended this as a sign of respect to those in the silent service, who protect our nation unseen and, too often, un-appreciated. To me, the name ‘ASTUTE’ is an apt one. It of course reminds us of the submarine’s predecessor. But it also highlights the shrewdness with which you consistently grasp and take advantage of the situations you encounter under the water. Your ability to do so has rendered this country deeply in your debt, and I should like to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am only sorry that today I am unable to shake each of you by the hand to express my gratitude, but sadly that will have to wait until the Covid restrictions have lifted.
We are equally in debt to your families, who steadfastly keep the home fires burning, while sharing the stresses and strains endured by all those on board. Please tell them, from me, how much I admire their loyalty, stoicism and support.
And now, as we look forward to the next ten years of ASTUTE’s service, please know that, wherever you may be, I will be holding you all in my thoughts and prayers. 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. Thank you.
Related content
The King and Queen, joined by Members of the Royal Family, will mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Landings
A speech by Her Majesty The Queen at the Charleston Festival 2024
Books and gardens are faithful friends to whom we can always turn to. They both have the ability to comfort, to cheer and to connect us with people and nature, reminding us...
A speech delivered by The Queen at a Reception to recognise those who support survivors of sexual assault and to relaunch of the Washbags Project
Thank you for sharing your stories, thank you for your kindness, thank you for not remaining strangers to those enduring the darkest of times, and, most of all, thank you for...
The Queen's speech at a reception to recognise those who support survivors of sexual assault
Your stories and your experiences are vital tools as we seek to bring about change: to forge a world in which people, whoever and wherever they are, do not live in fear of...
A speech by Her Majesty The Queen on her first visit to The Royal Lancers (Queen Elizabeths’ Own), having been appointed as Colonel-in-Chief
My father described the Regiment as a “highly efficient entity, highly skilled, and full of personalities”, I have no doubt that your upcoming deployments will be...
The Queen's support of the Arts
A speech by Her Majesty The Queen at a reception to celebrate International Women’s Day and to mark the end of the WOW Girls Festival Bus tour
Let your lives be the stones that will shatter glass ceilings everywhere and inspire generations to come.
A speech by Her Majesty The Queen at the Grand Final of BBC's 500 Words, Buckingham Palace
Between you, you have created more than a million stories of thought-provoking adventure for future generations to study and enjoy. Thank you to everybody who has taken part...
Charities and Patronages
The Queen celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the Poppy Factory at Clarence House
15 February 2024The Queen opened Maggie's new cancer support centre at the Royal Free Hospital
01 February 2024The Queen hosts authors and illustrators of the new Modern-Day Miniature Library
30 January 2024The Queen's Introduction to Queen Mary's Dolls' House's Modern-Day Miniature Library
It has continued to enchant generations of children and adults who come to marvel at its perfect proportions, extraordinary attention to detail and, perhaps above all, the...
The Queen's speech at The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2023
Well done to each and every one of you – you are quite brilliant and I have, as ever, enormously enjoyed reading your entries.