'Save the Ark Royal name' plea to Queen
The Queen has been asked to give up her name being used on one of the Royal Navy's new aircraft carriers.
She and the Prince of Wales - after whom the second new carrier will be named - have both been urged to consider stepping aside so that the historic title Ark Royal can be used instead.
Currently, the first of the new supercarriers will be called HMS Queen Elizabeth, with the second to be named HMS Prince of Wales.
But Portsmouth City Council leader Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson has written to the Queen and the heir to the throne to request their permission for one to be renamed.
It comes as thousands of people gathered in Portsmouth at the weekend to say goodbye to Ark Royal which is being decommissioned.
He wrote: 'The new aircraft carriers will be named after yourselves.
'This is absolutely right and proper.
'I am writing to ask, if in your great kindness and generosity, you would consider letting the Royal Navy know that you would be happy for one of the new ships to be given the name of the Ark Royal to become flagship of the fleet.
'Only with your approval and consent could this possibly happen.'
Cllr Vernon-Jackson said: 'It's a name which has so much affection in hearts across the country.
'You could see at the weekend how strongly people feel, because queues to visit her stretched out to the Hard.
'They have done it before, as the current Ark Royal was to be named Indomitable and I hope there can be a similar decision this time.
'I've probably broken every sort of protocol there is but I think it's vitally important.'
The ship's white ensign flag, which flew while it was on service, has been presented in a frame to the city.
It will go on display at the Guildhall.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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