Admiral (Royal Navy) - Rank Insignia and Personal Flag

Rank Insignia and Personal Flag

The current ranks are rear admiral, vice admiral, admiral and admiral of the fleet, also known as flag ranks because admirals, known as flag officers, are entitled to fly a personal flag. An admiral of the fleet flies a Union Flag at the masthead, while an admiral flies a St George's cross (red cross on white). Vice admirals and rear admirals fly a St George’s cross with one or two red discs in the hoist, respectively.

The rank of admiral itself is shown in its sleeve lace by a broad band with three narrower bands. Since 2001 it has been designated a four-star rank when the number of stars on the shoulder board were increased to four.

  • Sleeve lace

  • Shoulder board

  • Shoulder board prior to 2001

  • World War II admiral's shoulder board

  • Command flag for admiral of the fleet

  • Command flag for an admiral

  • Command flag for a vice admiral

  • Command flag for a rear admiral

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