Queen Camilla Receives Clingfilm Gift from HMS Astute Crew

Queen Camilla, the Lady Sponsor of the nuclear submarine HMS Astute, was presented with an engraved cling film holder as a birthday gift during her visit to the Devonport naval base in Plymouth, marking her 78th birthday. The gift symbolizes an inside joke stemming from an incident when the crew used cling film to temporarily fix a defect in the submarine's main engines by maintaining the vacuum needed for propulsion, allowing the vessel to stay at sea for over two years without returning to port for repairs. In her speech to the crew and their families, the Queen praised the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the submarine's personnel and expressed optimism about the submarine's return to service after a four-year refit amidst changing global challenges. The Queen's strong bond with the crew and her honorary role, which dates back to 2007, was further acknowledged by the presentation of a pennant recognizing her ongoing support to the Royal Navy. Commander Chris Bate, captain of HMS Astute, expressed hope that the gift would spark conversations at the Queen's home, highlighting the unique and practical solution that had earned the household item a place in naval lore. The Queen’s visit and the gift underscore her deep connection with the Royal Navy and the submarine service, as well as her appreciation of their dedication and innovation.