22 JULY 2003
The Princess Royal's husband Timothy Laurence is to be promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral, making him the Royal Family's highest-ranking serving military officer for half a century.

While Prince Charles still out-ranks him in title, as he is a Vice Admiral and Lieutenant General, he is not a serving officer. And though Princess Anne is also a Rear Admiral, her title is likewise honorary. Prince Andrew, meanwhile, left the Navy as a Commander, three ranks below Rear Admiral.

Commodore Laurence receives the promotion as he is to take over one of the most challenging posts at the Ministry of Defence. The 48-year-old beat off stiff competition from within the Army, Navy and Air Force to win the position of Assistant Chief of Defence Staff. The job, for which he will earn £85,000, means he is responsible for the budgets and equipment programmes for all three armed services.

MoD sources say he has secured the position entirely on merit, after 30 years of service. He first joined the Navy in 1973 and has commanded several ships, including the HMS Cumberland and the HMS Montrose.