Admiral (Royal Navy)

Admiral
Flag of an admiral, Royal Navy.
Insignia shoulder board and Sleeve lace for Admiral
Country United Kingdom
Service branch Royal Navy
AbbreviationAdm
Rank groupFlag officer
RankFour-star
NATO rank codeOF-9
Formation1224
Next higher rankAdmiral of the Fleet
Next lower rankVice admiral
Equivalent ranks

Admiral is a senior rank of the Royal Navy, which equates to the NATO rank code OF-9, outranked only by the rank of admiral of the fleet. Royal Navy officers holding the ranks of rear admiral, vice admiral and admiral of the fleet are sometimes considered generically to be admirals. The rank of admiral is currently the highest rank to which a serving officer in the Royal Navy can be promoted, admiral of the fleet being in abeyance except for honorary promotions of retired officers and members of the royal family.

The equivalent rank in the British Army and Royal Marines is general; and in the Royal Air Force, it is air chief marshal.