Admiralty (Royal Navy)

The Admiralty was the historic governing body responsible for the Royal Navy in the United Kingdom, overseeing naval administration, strategy, and operations. It functioned as the central authority on naval matters from the 18th century until 1964, when it was merged into the Ministry of Defence. The Admiralty managed shipbuilding, personnel, and maritime policies, playing a key role in Britain’s naval dominance and defense. Its leadership included the First Lord of the Admiralty, a political appointee, supported by professional naval officers. Today, naval governance is integrated into the UK's Ministry of Defence.