Personal aide-de-camp


Personal Aide-de-Camp, is an appointment in the Royal Household of the United Kingdom. It is distinct from that of other Aides-de-Camp to the Queen, in that it is only bestowed on members of the Royal Family holding military rank. The appointment is signified by the post-nominal letters 'ADC'. It is an honorary role with few duties or responsibilities attached; in the 20th century the Personal Aides de Camp were specifically listed as riding close behind the Gold State Coach at each Coronation, and walking or riding close behind the Gun Carriage at each State Funeral, of a monarch.

History

The practice of appointing family members as Personal Aides-de-Camp was begun by Queen Victoria. Among her first appointees was Prince Louis of Battenberg, who would go on to serve as Personal Aide-de-Camp to three successive monarchs. His son, Lord Louis Mountbatten, likewise went on to serve as ADC to three successive monarchs.

Insignia

The emblem of the office is the royal cypher and crown, which is worn on the uniform shoulder straps; and No. 1 gold aiguillettes, which are worn on the right shoulder..

Current ADC(P)s

Those in the Royal Family who currently hold the appointment are:
There are other categories of aides-de-camp to the Queen; most are serving military, naval, and air officers, usually of colonel or brigadier rank or equivalent. There are also specific posts for very senior officers, such as First and Principal Naval Aide-de-Camp, Flag Aide-de-Camp, Aide-de-Camp General, and Air Aide-de-Camp each with its own specific entitlement to post-nominal letters.