Commodore-in-Chief is an honorary Royal Navy appointment bestowed by the Queen on various members of the Royal Family on 8 August 2006.
Previously there have been honorary Royal Colonels in the British Army and honorary Air Commodores in the Royal Air Force, but no parallel affiliations with the Royal Navy.
Admiral Sir Jonathon Band, First Sea Lord, said on news of the appointments:
"I am delighted at the news of these appointments. They firmly underline the strength of the bond between the Royal Family and the Armed Forces, not least the Naval Service in which so many members of the Royal family have served with great distinction over the years."[1]
Commodore-in-Chief is an appointment rather than a rank. Holding an appointment of Commodore-in-Chief does not confer upon the holder the rank of Commodore or indeed any other rank. Members of the Royal Family wear the uniform of their rank and are not issued with a different uniform for the appointment.
| Holder | Naval rank (if any) | Appointment[2] | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| HRH The Prince of Wales | Admiral | Commodore-in-Chief, Plymouth | 2006 |
| HRH The Duke of Cambridge | Lieutenant | Commodore-in-Chief, Scotland Commodore-in-Chief, Submarines |
2006 |
| HRH Prince Harry of Wales | – | Commodore-in-Chief, Small Ships and Diving | 2006 |
| HRH The Duchess of Cornwall | - | Commodore-in-Chief, Naval Medical Services | 2006 |
| HRH The Duke of York | Hon. Rear-Admiral | Commodore-in-Chief, Fleet Air Arm | 2006 |
| HRH The Earl of Wessex | - | Commodore-in-Chief, Royal Fleet Auxiliary | 2006 |
| HRH The Princess Royal | Vice-Admiral | Commodore-in-Chief, Portsmouth | 2006 |
| HRH Prince Michael of Kent | Hon. Rear-Admiral (MR) | Commodore-in-Chief, Maritime Reserves | 2006 |