It feels like only yesterday that the Royal Navy carrier was arriving back home but she sailed out of HMNB Portsmouth this morning. She will carry out flight trials of the F-35 stealth jet in British waters as preparations continue for her first operational deployment in 2021. Here are our best photos of her departure.
17. HMS Queen Elizabeth leaves Portsmouth
The Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth passes the Round Tower as she leaves Portsmouth. Photo: Andrew Matthews
18. HMS Queen Elizabeth leaves Portsmouth
The Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth sails into the Solent as she leaves Portsmouth. Photo: Andrew Matthews
19. HMS Queen Elizabeth leaves Portsmouth
A Merlin helicopter on board HMS Queen Elizabeth Photo: Andrew Matthews
20. HMS Queen Elizabeth leaves Portsmouth
A Merlin helicopter on board HMS Queen Elizabeth Photo: Andrew Matthews