Replies

It’s a ceremonial title. The Brits don’t even have an aircraft carrier at present so the Royal Navy can’t be all that fun to be head of anyway!

Actually, they still have Illustrious. They just don't have any fixed-wing planes to fly off her. Unless they borrow some USMC Harriers (and the Marines that go with them). Which they do ...

Funny nautical story about the Queen and Prince Philip. During the 1976 US Bicentennial celebrations they came to Boston and toured the USS Constitution. The Constitution, at the time had (and still does, I think) a mish-mosh of restored and operational cannon from different origins. Including the UK.

Apparently the Queen noticed the royal seal of George III (or maybe George IV?) and quipped to her husband "You know, Philip, we really need to talk to the Minister of Defence about these foreign arms sales ..."