Agincourt becomes Achilles as Royal Navy switches name for new Astute-class submarine

The Royal Navy has called its new Astute-class submarine HMS Achilles after switching its name from HMS Agincourt.

Originally, the submarine was supposed to be named after the Battle of Agincourt, which resulted in the English defeating the French in the 100 Years' War.

But now, the King has approved the name HMS Achilles, which the Navy said was in light of this year marking 80 years since both VE and VJ Day.

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However a Royal Navy spokesperson said this was because Achilles received battle honours during the Second World War.

"We are proud of our nation's rich military history and the many famous battles fought," they said.

"The name was proposed by the Royal Navy Ships Names and Badging committee and approved by His Majesty the King."

Six ships have previously worn the name, earning six battle honours – including the River Plate and Okinawa.

Not everyone is happy with the name change, however.

In a post on X, former Defence Secretary Grant Shapps called the renaming "nothing short of sacrilege".

"This submarine carries a name that honours a defining moment in British history," he said.

"Under Labour, woke nonsense is being put ahead of tradition and our Armed Forces' proud heritage."