King Charles praised the “extraordinary” British military today in what many have perceived to be a veiled swipe at JD Vance.
The King donned his military uniform today as he visited the HMS Prince of Wales warship in the Channel.
The 76-year-old monarch appeared in high spirits whilst greeting Royal Navy personnel during the engagement.
The King’s show of support for the Royal Navy comes amid diplomatic tensions following controversial remarks by US Vice President JD Vance.
King Charles praises ‘extraordinary’ British military in veiled swipe at JD Vance
Reuters / PA
Vance recently downplayed British military capabilities, dismissing British and French peacekeeping troops as “20k troops from some random country that hasn’t fought a war in 30 or 40 years”.
He also stated that the only US security guarantee in Ukraine would be the mineral deal.
The King’s visit comes as the navy finalises preparations for the vessel to embark on a global deployment to Japan this spring.
Charles, who served in the Royal Navy between 1971 and 1976, toured the 65,000-tonne warship and observed F-35B Lightning jets operating from the flight deck.
King Charles visited the HMS Prince of Wales on Tuesday
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The monarch travelled from Sandringham by Royal Navy Merlin helicopter for the engagement.
He was joined by the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Ben Key, and Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, chief of the Royal Air Force.
Charles was seen touring the warship’s flight deck, which will be home to fighters, helicopters and drones during its upcoming deployment.
The King looked inquisitive as he chatted with marines of various ranks who showed him around the vessel.
The Royal Navy is finalising preparations for a major global deployment to the Indo-Pacific this spring
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His mother, Queen Elizabeth, undertook a similar engagement in 2021, visiting the HMS Queen Elizabeth in Portsmouth.
The Royal Family’s official X account shared nostalgic black and white photographs of Charles from nearly 50 years ago.
The images show the then-Prince of Wales flying in a Buccaneer jet to HMS Ark Royal from Royal Navy Air Station Yeovilton in 1977.
In one photograph, a 29-year-old Charles is seen wearing a helmet and flight gear, looking skyward.
The King’s naval background was highlighted during the visit, with former clearance diver Petty Officer John Friar previously revealing that Charles got “very seasick” during his service. Despite this, Friar noted the monarch was “without doubt, the best ship handler by far.”
HMS Prince of Wales’ Commanding Officer, Captain Will Blackett, said: “It was a great honour to host His Majesty onboard today.”
He added: “His visit was a great source of morale for my excellent ship’s company and we look forward to doing him proud in all our endeavours this year.”
The monarch’s high-profile visit to HMS Prince of Wales appears to underscore Britain’s continued military relevance and commitment to global security partnerships.
