The Queen has today appointed The Prince of Wales to honorary five-star rank in all three Services.

General the Lord Guthrie is appointed tothe honorary rank of Field Marshal. Her Majesty wishes to acknowledge the dedicated support of His Royal Highness to The Queen in her role as Commander-in-Chief.

The Prince of Wales becomes Admiral of the Fleet, Field Marshal and Marshal of the Royal Air Force. Her Majesty is also glad to recognise the distinguished service offormer Chiefs of the Defence Staff in similar manner.

General the Lord Guthrie was the first Chief of the Defence Staff not to hold substantive five-star rank.

Notes to Editors

1. The appointment to honorary Five Star Rank is an honorary promotion. Such appointments will be sparing and a matter for The Sovereign.

2. Two Members of the Royal Family currently hold Five Star Rank - The Duke of Edinburgh (in all three services) and The Duke of Kent (Field Marshal).

3. These appointments will have no impact on the promotion prospectsof serving personnel or on the honorary appointments of other Members ofthe Royal Family. As an honorary appointment made directly by TheSovereign, the bestowal of Five Star Rank will not impact upon salary orpension provision for the recipients. Appointments will incur no cost to the Ministry of Defence.