King Charles wanted the vessel to be renamed, sources claim (Image: Getty)
personally intervened to rename the submarine at the centre of a row over putting “woke nonsense” ahead of Britain’s “proud” military history.
The Astute-class attack submarine, which is still being built, over the French in 1415. But the boat will now be called HMS Achilles, which is a familiar name in Royal Navy history.
An unnamed source has exclusively told the Express it was to avoid upsetting France. Buckingham Palace did not deny the claim and invited this publication to contact the Royal Navy.
News of the name change sparked fury after it emerged yesterday. Former Conservative defence secretary said on Monday: “Renaming the HMS Agincourt is nothing short of sacrilege.”
He said the vessel carries a name which honours a defining moment in British history and accused Labour of putting “woke nonsense” ahead of tradition and UK Armed Forces’ “proud heritage”.
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The vessel, which is still being built, is to be named HMS Achilles (file photo) (Image: Getty)
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A Royal Navy spokesman did not respond directly to the Express’s revelation, but said on Monday the service is proud of Britain’s rich military history and the many famous battles fought.
He confirmed the seventh boat in the Astute class would take a name which is particularly appropriate this year as the country marks the VE and VJ Day 80th anniversaries, adding: “Achilles received battle honours during the Second World War.”
The spokesman said on Monday that the name was proposed by the Royal Navy Ships Names and Badging Committee and approved by King Charles.
Former defence secretary told Times Radio the French would not have been offended by the name. He said: “We’re very close to the French. The French are one of our strongest allies.
“They don’t get put off by names like that. I mean, that shows a very pathetic grasp of foreign policy and relationships.”
He added the French “celebrate their successes” but “also know in their history they didn’t have all the successes”.
Sir Ben continued: “So, if that is the actual reason it’s been renamed, then I would be concerned that it shows we’re focusing on superficial nonsense rather than rebuilding our defence.”
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