[1] The Restoration era brought a general reorganisation of naval ranks and structure, including formalisation of the admiral of the fleet role.

It was intended that only one officer would hold the rank at any time, with their presence aboard any naval vessel to be denoted by the flying of the Royal Standard from the main mast.

In 1821 George IV appointed Sir John Jervis as a second admiral of the fleet, to balance the Duke of Wellington's promotion as a second Field Marshal in the British Army.

In 1830 King William IV increased the number of admirals of the fleet to three, though these additional lifetime postings subsequently lapsed.

[7][8] In deference to Gosselin's seniority the position was instead left vacant until his death in 1857, whereupon it was filled by Admiral Charles Ogle.

[10] Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh was created an Admiral of the Fleet in the Royal New Zealand Navy in 1954, following the coronation of his wife Elizabeth II as Queen.