Today, His Majesty King Charles III made his first official visit to His Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde since assuming his role as Commander-in-Chief of the British Armed Forces. The visit highlights the critical role the base plays in safeguarding the United Kingdom’s national security, particularly through the operations of the Royal Navy’s Submarine Service.

During the visit, King Charles met with submariners, support staff, and their families, recognising the dedication and commitment that go into maintaining the UK’s Continuous At Sea Deterrence (CASD). The CASD has been operational for an unbroken 55 years, ensuring the nation’s protection through a continuous submarine-based nuclear deterrent.

Commodore Paul Dunn OBE, Commodore of the Submarine Service, expressed his pride in the visit, stating, “His Majesty’s visit, his first here as Commander-in-Chief of the British Armed Forces, acknowledges the valuable service of our submariners. 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.”

The visit also allowed His Majesty to witness the operational capabilities of the Royal Navy’s Vanguard-class submarines, which have played a pivotal role in sustaining the nation’s deterrence efforts.

King Charles’ time at the base marks a continued commitment to supporting the Armed Forces and recognising the contributions of those serving in the Submarine Service. His visit has been warmly received by the submarine community, who appreciated the personal acknowledgment of their vital role in national security.