Admiral, Vice Admiral and Rear Admiral
All three ranks are known socially as Admiral. The exact rank is given within the Royal Navy, on the envelope or in a formal description.
How to Address an Admiral
The recommended style of address is as follows:
| Beginning of letter | According to title or Dear Admiral Smith |
| End of letter | Yours sincerely |
| Envelope | Admiral Sir William Smith, GCB |
| Verbal communication | According to title or Admiral Robinson* |
| Invitation | Admiral Sir William Smith/Admiral George Robinson |
| Joint invitation+ | Admiral Sir William and Lady Smith/Admiral and Mrs George Robinson |
| Description in conversation | Sir William Smith/Admiral Robinson |
| List of Directors or Patrons | Admiral Sir William Smith, GCB/Admiral George Robinson, VC, CB, OBE |
| Place card | Admiral Sir William Smith/Admiral George Robinson |
*A younger man, or a more junior officer in any of the Armed Forces, addresses him as 'Sir'.
+ Note: Traditionally, invitations to a married couple, when sent to their home address, are addressed to the wife alone, with both names being inscribed on the invitation card. It has become increasingly acceptable, however, to address the envelope with both names.
