I was deeply saddened to learn of the death this weekend of Vice Admiral Sir Clive Johnstone. He was an outstanding officer and inspirational individual who positively impacted the lives of so many. He will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

The highlight of the Inter-Service rugby calendar takes place at Twickenham Stadium today. Good luck to all the men and women from British Army 🇬🇧 and Royal Navy playing on that hallowed turf. May the best teams win. Which will be Navy! #GoNavy

In the past 24 hours French & British Chiefs of Staff held a historic joint meeting in Paris celebrating the Entente Cordiale, which included meeting President Emmanuel Macron

Our discussions ranged from Ukraine, CJEF & NATO, the Red Sea & the security of the Paris Olympics.🇬🇧🇫🇷

The UK will spend 2.5% of GDP on defence by the end of the decade.

The Prime Minister has today announced an extra £75 billion for defence over the next six years, securing our freedoms and driving prosperity in a more dangerous world.

gov.uk/government/new…

The Princess Royal has visited the Royal Navy's newest frigate, HMS Venturer, which is currently under construction in Rosyth.

⚓ As Sponsor of the ship, Her Royal Highness toured the assembly facility, and met some of the ship's company at work. Click to read more!

The Duke of Edinburgh has attended the commissioning ceremony of Stirling Castle. 🚢

The new Naval ship will act as a ‘mother ship’ for an array of remotely-operated and autonomous systems that will scour home waters looking for mines. Click to read more.

Welcome home, HMS Richmond, from your important mission to the Middle East. Through hard work and professionalism you performed in the finest traditions of the Service, helping to defend free and open use of the oceans. BZ, and enjoy the reunions with your family and friends!

Saddened to learn of the death of Amiral Philippe de Gaulle. He embodied a lifetime of dedicated service as part of the Free French Naval Forces and the Marine nationale, his record reflecting deep bonds between our Navies. My condolences to his family and the people of France.

Overnight, HMS Richmond and international allies fully repelled a Houthi drone attack.

Read the full statement 👇

Amidst all today’s headlines, I want to recognise the exemplary work of HMS Vanguard’s crew to become fully certified and ready to rejoin the operational fleet. A crucial milestone after a challenging refit. They and the many involved ashore have my deep appreciation and thanks.

On behalf of the whole Royal Navy, I send His Majesty our very best wishes for a full and timely recovery. 

We look forward to the return to public duties of our Lord High Admiral and Captain General and He and His family are in our thoughts.

It was great to welcome Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP Secretary of State for Defence onboard yesterday. The SofS took the opportunity to meet our fantastic Ship’s Company and talk about our recent action and ongoing mission to ensure merchant shipping can safely transit the Red Sea.

Valuable to meet Mr Arsenio Dominguez, IMO Secretary General, in his London HQ. We discussed the challenging situation in the Red Sea and how we can work more closely together to restore stability and support all those whose livelihood depends on free and open use of the seas.

Many congratulations to all those sailors and marines named in the New Year Honours list. Their recognition is a superb reflection on their professionalism and achievements on behalf of the RN and the Nation! BZ!

As you tuck into your Christmas lunch, surrounded perhaps by loved ones, spare a thought for those on patrol somewhere beneath the ocean with the Nation’s strategic, independent nuclear deterrent. They keep the watch today, as their predecessors have every day since 1969.

Safeguarding the handful of global hotspots where maritime trade passes through doesn’t just keep the seas safe - it keeps food on our plates and contributes to the UK’s economic prosperity.

📸 @HMSDiamond

Read more on the Navy's role protecting trade: ow.ly/2Izr50QkAz2

The Royal Navy and our allies are committed to maintaining security at sea. As part of Operation Prosperity Guardian, HMS Diamond is playing a crucial role in maintaining the flow of trade and energy on which our island nation depends. ow.ly/zXOQ50Qk7UM