Portsmouth-based HMS Prince of Wales made UK's flagship
She'll rotate the honour with her sister ship, HMS Queen Elizabeth
The Royal Navy’s biggest ship has made a triumphant return to Liverpool in a week-long visit to the city.
Aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales will spend the next seven days on the Mersey.
Her 800 crew will engage with local schools and community projects and give the public an insight into life aboard the Portsmouth-based warship as she gears up for a global deployment.
It’s the first time since March 2020, just before the country went into COVID lockdown that the ship’s schedule has allowed her to visit Merseyside.
That maiden appearance drew hundreds of thousands of people to the city – with around 20,000 members of the public enjoying a tour of the carrier.
Commanding Officer Captain Will Blackett said:
“It is a great privilege to bring the ship to Liverpool – a city with very special historical links to the Royal Navy – and it is a particular honour for us to receive the Freedom of the City this week. This is the culmination of a very busy autumn training programme.
“The ship’s company deserve recognition for their remarkable efforts, and this visit allows us to show you what we do.”
For junior marine engineering officer Sub Lieutenant Yasemin Dilek, the fact that the aircraft carrier is affiliated with her city makes HMS Prince of Wales a ‘home away from away’, with reminders throughout the ship such as passageway signs: Smithdown Road, Matthew Street and Anfield.
“I believe we take a part of Liverpool everywhere we go. You never really detach from it – it’s always home and we love to share our experiences and stories about our special place with everyone we meet – it’s even better when these feelings are reciprocated with the kind words and opinions others share for our amazing city,” she added.
“No matter where you are in the world, the chances are you’ll bump into a Scouser and that warm fuzzy feeling of home and pride takes over. This is why I am incredibly excited about the ship’s upcoming trip to Liverpool, and I’m certain that the first sight of those two Liver birds, set against our gorgeous city skyline, as we bring the ship through the River Mersey to our berth, will be a highlight which I will cherish for the rest of my career.”
Before the ship departs towards the end of the week, a Freedom Parade will be held on Friday.
It'll be the first time sailors from the ship have had the opportunity to celebrate holding the city’s highest civic honour.
Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Richard Kemp, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be welcoming HMS Prince of Wales back to Liverpool.
“We are extremely proud that the vessel is affiliated with Liverpool, and during the visit, we will be awarding it the Freedom of the City.
“I know that many local people will be keen to go on board to have a look around and learn more about the important work of HMS Prince of Wales in keeping our nation safe.”
She will depart on Monday December 9, returning to Portsmouth.