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British History/HMS designation on England's ships

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Question
Does the HMS designation stand for "Her" or "His" Majesty's Service? Or does the meaning simply change  depending on if a queen or a king is currently on the throne?    Thanks!

Answer
Hello Terry.
On Royal Navy Ships HMS stands for "His/Her Majesty's Ship". Today the "H" means "Her" but once Prince Charles becomes King it will automatically mean "His", it all depends on who is monarch.
HMS Victory for instance which has been in commission continually since 1765 has been "His Majesty's Ship" and "Her Majesty's Ship" several times through the reign of seven Kings and two Queens.
Mark

British History

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Mark Smith

Expertise

I have a good basic knowledge of British political history, but my speciality is the Kings and Queens of England and Scotland from 927 AD. Please no social history questions, it's not my strong point and I'm unlikely to answer them.

Experience

No professional experience, but a lifelong interest and access to a variety of sources of information.

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"A" level in History.

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