Submariners honoured with gold pins

The Prince, the Commodore in Chief Submarines, visited Scotland’s Royal Navy headquarters at Faslane on the Clyde to present 22 naval officers with the gold badge – the first time the honour has been awarded.

HRH Prince William of Wales greeted each sailor with a handshake before presenting the pin, and time chatting and laughing with each recipient.

Chief Petty Officer Stephen Irvine, 43, received one of the gold pins in recognition of his 28 patrols of duty, which has seen him spend more than eight years in total under sea since joining the Navy as a 16-year-old.

“He met us when we were having an informal buffet and he took time out to talk with us and our families. He’s really down to earth and more than willing to sit and pose for photos with the children.

“When he was presenting us with our badge I felt really privileged to be the one of the first to get the award, and from our future King.”

About 500 naval officers were awarded pins during the ceremony, with the others receiving silver to mark sailing on deterrent patrol for more than 30 days.

The Prince also personally awarded silver pins to 20 veteran sailors.

Later, the Prince unveiled a plaque to name the base as the future home of the UK’s submarine service and visited its church, Neptune Chapel, for a private dedication service.