King Charles sparks reactions with his latest move.
King Charles III has sparked reactions with his latest decision, overruling the late Queen Elizabeth to rename HMS Agincourt submarine
The 76-year–old has decided to overturn the £1.5billion submarine’s original name, which had been given the green light by the late monarch in 2018, and rename it HMS Achilles.
The decision was reportedly made to avoid upsetting the French. According to Express UK, the King made his intervention last year.
He was understood to be concerned that naming the under-construction hunter-killer sub after the 1415 battle would remind the French of their defeat to the British.
The King reportedly stepped in and made it clear the name had to be changed because he didn’t want to upset the French.
A Royal Navy spokesperson: “We are proud of our nation’s rich military history and the many famous battles fought.
“This would be a matter for the Royal Navy.”
However, the names are submitted to the monarch, as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, for approval.
“We are proud of our nation’s rich military history and the many famous battles fought. The name was proposed by the Royal Navy Ships’ Names and Badging Committee and approved by His Majesty the King.” a spokesperson said.
Asper reports, Sir Gavin Williamson, the then defence secretary, announced in 2018 that the Ministry of Defence had signed a £1.5 billion contract to build a seventh Astute-class hunter-killer submarine called HMS Agincourt.
