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His Majesty King Charles III has been appointed the honorary ranks of admiral of the fleet of the Royal Australian Navy, field marshal of the Australian Army, and marshal of the Royal Australian Air Force by the Governor-General of Australia.
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The Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Defence Force, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, said His Majesty's appointments were an important symbol of connection, stability and strength.
“Australians share His Majesty’s pride in the ADF, its sailors, soldiers and aviators and the loved ones who support them,” the Governor-General said.
Chief of the Defence Force Admiral David Johnston AC RAN said His Majesty’s honorary ranks reflected Australia’s close relationship with reigning monarchs.
“The sovereign serves as an example of service, and His Majesty’s appointments are symbolic of the Royal Family’s long-standing dedication and relationship with the nation,” ADML Johnston said.
“Since Australian Federation in 1901, Australia’s military forces have been custodians of great traditions connected to the Commonwealth, and 123 years later the Australian Defence Force is proud to continue this legacy.”
The Australian Defence Force has a proud affiliation with His Majesty since 1977 when he first held the title of Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps.
In 1911, the then Commonwealth Naval Forces was granted the title “Royal Australian Navy” by King George V and His Majesty’s Australian Ship (HMAS) was authorised for use, and to this day, all commissioned Royal Australian Navy vessels and establishments use this title.
To mark this historical connection, His Majesty, accompanied by Her Majesty, will participate in a fleet review on Sydney Harbour during the October 2024 visit to Australia, where HMA ships Hobart, Warramunga, Arunta, Gascoyne, and Yarra will be anchored. The King and Queen will also visit the Australian War Memorial and Australian Parliament House in Canberra.
