Queen Camilla just made royal history—right before her 78th birthday.
On Wednesday, July 16, King Charles gave his wife a brand-new title: Vice Admiral of the United Kingdom. The honorary position was officially bestowed during a special ceremony aboard HMS Astute to mark the submarine’s first commission.
This appointment is more than just symbolic—Camilla is now the first woman ever to hold the Vice Admiral title. It’s an honor that can only be given by the monarch after a nomination by the First Sea Lord, who is currently Sir Gwyn Jenkins.
“The Royal Navy have appointed The Queen as Vice Admiral of the United Kingdom at a ceremony on HMS Astute to mark the end of the Submarine’s first commission,” read the announcement on the royal family’s Instagram.
During her visit to the vessel, Camilla praised the Royal Navy’s service members, saying, “Each time I have met your Commanding Officers and visited the submarine, I am reminded of the exceptional servicemen and women in our Royal Navy.”
But that wasn’t the only stop on the Queen’s busy day.
Earlier, Camilla visited Little Bridge House in Barnstaple, one of the hospices run by Children’s Hospice South West, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary. As a longtime patron of the organization, Camilla spent time with staff, volunteers, and families of patients, offering support and sharing in the milestone celebration.
Reflecting on the experience, she admitted to BBC that she once believed hospices were “sad places,” but now sees them differently. “Everyone who works in them and makes them such happy places deserve a huge, huge thank you,” she said.
From breaking royal barriers to lifting spirits in a children’s hospice, Queen Camilla’s day was a powerful reminder of how modern royalty continues to evolve—and connect.
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I hope she proves to be deserving of the honor.