King Charles III has ignited backlash after personally overturning a decision made by his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, regarding the Royal Navy’s newest submarine. The monarch’s intervention has led to the renaming of the £1.5 billion vessel, sparking outrage among royal watchers and military enthusiasts alike.
According to reports from Mail Online, the King vetoed the original name, HMS Agincourt, which had been approved by Queen Elizabeth in 2018. Instead, Charles ordered the submarine to be renamed HMS Achilles, a move that insiders claim was made to avoid offending the French.
The Battle of Agincourt, fought in 1415, was one of England’s greatest military victories over France, and Charles reportedly feared the name would be seen as a diplomatic insult.
An insider revealed to Express UK, “The King personally stepped in and made it clear the name had to be changed because he didn’t want to upset the French.” This decision has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that Charles is prioritizing political correctness over historical significance.
The name HMS Agincourt was originally suggested by former UK Defence Secretary Sir Gavin Williamson in 2018 and would have marked the sixth Royal Navy vessel named in honor of the iconic battle.
The renaming has left many questioning Charles’ priorities, particularly as his mother had already approved the original name before her passing in 2022.
Buckingham Palace has remained silent on the controversy, refusing to comment on the reasoning behind the name change. Meanwhile, Downing Street has also deflected questions, with the Prime Minister’s official spokesman stating, “The name was proposed by the Names and Badging Committee and approved by His Majesty the King. I obviously can’t get into any more detail on that.”
This unprecedented move has led to speculation that Charles’ decision was influenced by diplomatic concerns, especially following France’s recent strategic alliances with the UK. However, critics argue that Britain should not shy away from honoring its military victories for the sake of modern-day politics.
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Military historian and Royal Navy expert Dr. Andrew Lambert weighed in on the matter, stating, “The Battle of Agincourt is an important part of British history. To erase it from the Royal Navy’s legacy to appease foreign nations is completely unnecessary.”
Social media has erupted with debate over Charles’ choice, with many branding it as “woke nonsense” and a “disrespectful revision of history.” Some have even speculated whether the King’s ongoing health struggles have influenced his decision-making, with one critic commenting, “Charles needs to focus on his treatment, not renaming warships.”
Others have defended the King’s decision, arguing that HMS Achilles is still a powerful name with historical significance. Achilles was the name of a Royal Navy ship that played a key role in World War II, engaging in the legendary Battle of the River Plate in 1939.
Despite the backlash, the King’s approval is final, as he holds the title of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. Under military protocol, the Defence Secretary signs off on naval names, but ultimate approval rests with the monarch.
This decision marks yet another instance where Charles has chosen to reshape royal traditions, often breaking away from his mother’s long-standing principles. With the controversy growing, many are questioning whether Charles’ leadership style will continue to divide public opinion.
As the debate rages on, one thing is clear—King Charles is not afraid to make bold decisions, even if it means overruling his late mother’s legacy.
