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Royal Navy Submariners guest of honour at City of London events
25 June 2026
ROYAL Navy Submariners were the guests of honour when they travelled to the City of London for this year’s Armed Forces Flag Day and attended an evening reception at Mansion House.
It being the 125th anniversary of the formation of the Silent Service, a platoon of submariners was invited to attend the Armed Forces parade at the Guildhall in London.
Representing the Royal Navy at the event was Rear Admiral Andy Perks, Head of the Submarine Service and Director Submarines.
The submariners were joined by representatives from the Army and RAF, as well as a host of dignitaries from the City of London, including the Lady Mayor Dame Susan Langley, Aldermen, ceremonial officers from City of London Police and others.
Providing musical accompaniment at the event were the Band of Royal Marines Collingwood.
Following the Guildhall flag raising, there was a Submarine Service 125th anniversary celebration at Mansion House, the official residence of the Mayor of the City of London.
Some 60 serving submariners, veterans, civic leaders and representatives of the City of London’s and Welsh Livery Companies gathered to celebrate the anniversary.
The event was hosted jointly by the Worshipful Company of Tin Plate Workers alias Wire Workers and the Worshipful Company of Engineers, by kind permission of the Lady Mayor.
Captain Chris Groves RN (Retired), Master of the Worshipful Company of Tin Plate Workers alias Wire Workers and part of the Anniversary Organising Committee, said: “There is an old saying that there is no such thing as an ex-submariner. Looking around Mansion House this evening, that spirit was unmistakable.
“From veterans who served during the Cold War to those currently maintaining the UK’s Continuous At Sea Deterrent, the evening brought together generations of submariners united by shared experience, professional excellence and a common commitment to service.”
He continued: “It was a fitting tribute to 125 years of the Royal Navy’s Silent Service and to the people who have made that extraordinary story possible.”
Professor Andrew McNaughton, Master of the Worshipful Company of Engineers, co-sponsor of the celebrations, added: “In the tradition of the Livery movement, we are proud of our support for the nation’s armed forces and particularly the Royal Navy and Submarine Service through our affiliation with one of our submarines.
“The Mansion House celebration brought to life the remarkable dedication of submariners and what they do for the United Kingdom.”
Among the guests were former First Sea Lords, Cold War veterans, Falklands veterans as well as serving submariners. The audience also included senior military leaders, civil dignitaries, industry representatives, and members of the Livery Companies who were long-standing affiliates to the Royal Navy.
“Tonight’s celebration recognised a remarkable 125 years of service, sacrifice, and innovation,” said The Lady Mayor of the City of London, Alderman Dame Susan Langley DBE.
“The Royal Navy’s submarines have undertaken some of the most demanding responsibilities in public service, operating quietly, and professionally in defence of the United Kingdom and its interests around the world.
“The city of London has long valued its relationship with the armed forces and it was a privilege to welcome serving personnel, veterans, and supporters to Mansion House to mark this important milestone in our national story.”
The evening featured presentations charting the history and evolution of the Submarine Service together with a ceremonial Beating the Retreat and Sunset performed by the Royal Marines Band Service.
Dr James Jinks, historian and author of The Silent Deep, delivered a talk on “125 years of submarines”. This was followed by a speech by Rear Admiral Perks, posing the question: “Why Submarines?” and outlining the importance of underwater warfare to our defence.
Also speaking at the event was Commodore Ben Haskins, Commander of the Submarine Flotilla, as well as Commanders Williams and Dick who described “a year in the life of a submariner” for the assembled audience.
The event also featured a submarine birthday cake cutting to mark the important anniversary.
Rear Admiral Andy Perks, Head of the Submarine Service and Director Submarines, said: “For 125 years, generations of submariners have served the nation in one of the most demanding environments imaginable. Their professionalism, courage and commitment have been the foundation of the Royal Navy’s operations success beneath the waves.
“As we mark this milestone, we celebrate their remarkable legacy and the people whose service continues to protect the United Kingdom every day, while looking forward with confidence to the next chapter in the Submarine Service’s proud history.”
The Royal Navy Submarine Service began with the arrival of its first vessel, Holland 1, in 1901.
By the beginning of the First World War in 1914, the service had grown to 168 officers and 1,250 Ratings. During the conflict, the Submarine Service was awarded five of the Royal Navy’s Victoria Crosses and went on to earn a total of 14 during its 125-year history.
Submarines and submariners have played a crucial role in protecting the nation through two World Wars, the Cold War, and conflicts in the Middle East.
Our submarines provide the UK with unique military capabilities. They can be used to operate undetected and so can be involved in intelligence gathering, special operations, and can carry out surprise attacks.
They can be used to protect aircraft carriers, hunt other submarines, and can attack land targets using weapons such as the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile.
Vessels can also provide a deterrent effect. The Royal Navy’s Vanguard Class submarines contribute to the delivery of the UK’s Continuous At Sea Deterrent, a mission which the Submarine Service has fulfilled, unbroken, since 1969.
Last year, the government approved a £270.7M investment package – an initial three-year funding that will be used to adapt and improve infrastructure at HM Naval Base Clyde – the Home of the Submarine Service.
The investment will be used to prepare the Clyde base to welcome the Dreadnought Class vessels, which will replace the current Vanguard Class, and the Royal Navy’s next generation of attack submarines.
The investment will ensure that the Royal Navy Submarine Service continues to protect the UK far into the future.