Simon Williams

Rear Admiral Simon Paul Williams, (born 13 July 1960), is a retired senior Royal Navy officer who served as Naval Secretary, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Personnel) and Flag Officer (Maritime Reserves) from March 2015 to June 2018.

Since 2025, Williams serves as Prior of St John in England.

Early life and education Born in 1960 at Bristol, Williams was educated at Kingsbridge School, the City University London (BSc) and the Britannia Royal Naval College.

Naval career Williams was commissioned into the Royal Navy in 1978. After taking charge of the minesweeper , he was promoted Commanding Officer of the frigate in 2001 and of the frigate in 2005. as well as Assistant Chief of the Defence Staff (Personnel and Training) in October 2012. He went on to be Naval Secretary, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Personnel) and Flag Officer (Maritime Reserves) in March 2015.

Honours and awards

Officer of the Order of St John (2024)

Appointed Chancellor of the Priory of England and Islands of the Order of St John in 2023, Williams was promoted Prior of St John in 2025.