St Albans royal navy officer celebrates her formal commissioning at a parade attended by the Duke of York.

Midshipman Katherine Butler, 22, was one of 155 officer cadets taking part in the annual Lord High Admiral’s Divisions at Britannia Royal Naval College.

Around 800 families and friends gathered at the parade, watching the Duke of York represent his father the Duke of Edinburgh, the Lord High Admiral.

To earn her place at the parade, Butler completed a 30 week intensive training course, which included a three-week ship acquaint assigned to the Royal Navy’s flagship, the HMS Ocean, taking command of allied operations in the Middle East. 

With the first phase of her training complete Katherine will remain at Britannia Royal Naval College to begin her specialist training.

Katherine said: “I have really enjoyed my training at BRNC and am looking forward to moving on and starting my career specific training.

“I have learnt a lot at the College, not only about the Royal Navy and my future career, but also what I enjoy doing and how to lead and learn. I want to make a difference and have variety in the day to day working environment.”