Admiral of the Fleet

The highest rank of the Royal Navy, OF-10, ceremonial since the 1990s, worn historically by Britain greatest admirals.

Overview

Admiral of the Fleet is the Royal Navy highest rank, OF-10, five stripes on the sleeve including a broad one. Holders include legends of the service: Howe, St Vincent, Nelson at Trafalgar era comparisons aside, Jellicoe, Beatty, and Mountbatten. The rank corresponded to command of the entire fleet and became largely honorary in the twentieth century, held by chiefs and royalty. No substantive appointments have been made since the 1990s reforms, though honorary grants to the royal family continue. The rank peers with field marshal and the five-star American grades, and by tradition an admiral of the fleet never formally retires.