King boards nuclear submarine on first official visit to HMNB Clyde as head of military

The King stepped on board one of Britain's nuclear submarines at HM Naval Base Clyde during his first official visit as Commander-in-Chief of the UK military.

His Majesty King Charles III received the royal salute during his time at Coulport, met service personnel and senior members, including First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Ben Key and thanked them all on behalf of the nation for acting as Britain's continuous at sea deterrent (CASD).

"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.

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"The Royal Navy's unbroken 55-year record of continuous at sea deterrent is a tremendous source of pride, showcasing the skill, professionalism, and dedication of our defence enterprise," said Cdre Dunn.

"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."

Coulport is the Royal Navy's main presence in Scotland and is home to the Submarine Service.

The base also houses the UK's nuclear deterrent and the new generation of hunter-killer submarines.

The King was welcomed on board one of the Vanguard-class submarines and met with Gold Deterrent Pin holders.

The holders are recognised as service personnel who have spent the most time under the water.

His Majesty visited the base in 2011 and 2013 when he was Prince of Wales.

He served in the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force in the 1970s, once making a forced landing into a field full of potatoes.

The Naval Base Commander Clyde, Commodore Sharon Malkin said: "HM Naval Base Clyde has supported the UK's deterrent submarines since 1968.

"The One Clyde team on base is a collaboration of serving naval personnel, veterans, civil servants, and industry partners – many of whom are part of the local community.

"His Majesty's visit to the Clyde today is a tremendous honour for all of us involved."