Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal stood proudly as guest of honour this week, as the Royal Navy welcomed 155 future leaders into its ranks at Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, marking a defining moment in the Service’s enduring tradition of excellence.
In a ceremony steeped in history and national pride, The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, represented His Majesty The King in his role as Lord High Admiral, a position that has long symbolised the bond between the Crown and the Senior Service. Alongside senior officers, she took the salute during the first passing out parade of 2026, the prestigious Lord High Admiral’s Divisions, widely regarded as the most significant date in the college calendar.
She was joined by Admiral Sir Keith Blount, who began his naval career in 1984 and recently concluded his distinguished service as Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe. Reflecting on the occasion, he described the graduation of the 155 men and women as a “momentous occasion”.
He continued: “It represents the triumph of endeavour and personal ambition, and it inspires confidence by showcasing the future of the Royal Navy.”
The parade celebrated the transformation of 126 Young Officers from civilians into sailors, alongside 16 sailors promoted from the ranks and 13 warrant officers directly promoted, each stepping forward to take their place in Britain’s naval future.
The ceremony was further elevated by a stirring flypast, featuring a Commando Helicopter Force Merlin and two Grob trainers from RNAS Yeovilton, a vivid reminder of the operational strength and readiness of the Fleet.
Among those on parade was Midshipman Adam Gregson, a 23 year old trainee warfare officer from Preston, Lancashire, who spoke candidly about his transformation during training.
He said his time at Dartmouth had “uncovered and developed a whole new militarised person”.
He added: “I joined the Royal Navy to travel the world – to not to sit behind a desk – to learn new skills and to make my parents proud.”
Recalling the challenges faced, he described one exercise on Dartmoor “in appalling weather – my bivvy was tested by the wind and the rain was so bad we had a stream running under our roll mats.”
For Midshipman Samuel Pinkney, aged 23, from Essex, the journey continues as he prepares to train as a submarine engineer at HMS Sultan in Gosport.
“Even though I’ve only been in the Navy for 29 weeks, I already can’t imagine doing anything else,” he said.
“I would recommend anyone thinking of joining to do so and take on that challenge. The Royal Navy offered a place I could apply my skill from university with a sense of purpose.”
Watching with pride was Captain Andy Bray, Captain of Britannia Royal Naval College, who praised the determination and spirit of the new officers.
“Our newest officers have shown exceptional commitment to pass out today, and I know I speak for all my staff, as we proudly congratulate them as they commission into the Naval Service,” he said.
“Good luck to them all, and may they go on to lead the service with courage.”
As the parade concluded against the backdrop of Dartmouth’s historic grounds, the message was clear, a new generation stands ready to serve, to lead, and to uphold the proud traditions of the Royal Navy, carrying forward the values of duty, resilience, and honour that define the nation’s maritime strength.
