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More than 2,000 families and friends waited for their loved ones at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard this morning. The 65,000 tonne aircraft carrier returned from a three-month deployment to the USA, visiting locations such as Virginia, Florida and Washington.
The £3 billion warship carried out flight trials with the US Marine Corps and F-35B stealth fighter jets. The carrier returned to Portsmouth Naval Base where about 2,600 people waited at the jetty, many waving flags and holding banners as they welcomed the crew home.
MORE LIKE THIS: HMS Prince of Wales makes triumphant return home
Commanding Officer Captain Richard Hewitt said: “It’s great to be back after a hugely-successful deployment. During the past three and a half months we have pushed the boundaries of naval aviation, worked hand in hand with our US partners and ensured the continued advancement of Queen Elizabeth class aviation.
“I am immensely proud of all on board who have been nothing short of brilliant. My particular thanks go to all those who have supported us from home.” Visitors travelled from as far as Scotland, Wales, and parts of the north of England to welcome home their loved ones.
Here are 34 pictures from HMS Prince of Wales’ return home.
21. HMS Prince of Wales makes glorious return home
Leading Hand Fraser Gray is greeted by his partner Laura Krusinskyte following the arrival of the United Kingdom's biggest warship, the HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier, following a three months deployment, on December 11, 2023. Picture: Leon Neal/Getty Images. Photo: Leon Neal/Getty Images
22. HMS Prince of Wales makes glorious return home
Captain Richard Hewitt, commanding officer of HMS Prince of Wales, is greeted by his sons Oliver and William, after the Royal Navy aircraft carrier returned to Portsmouth Naval Base following it's three-month deployment to the Eastern Seaboard of the United States. Photo: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire
23. HMS Prince of Wales makes glorious return home
Midshipman Joshua Wood hugs his partner after the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales returns to Portsmouth Naval Base following it's three-month deployment to the Eastern Seaboard of the United States, where the Prince of Wales has been undergoing trials and operating with aircraft and drones. Picture: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire. Photo: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire
24. HMS Prince of Wales makes glorious return home
AB Yasmine Mante (centre) is greeted by family after the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales returns to Portsmouth Naval Base following it's three-month deployment to the Eastern Seaboard of the United States, where the Prince of Wales has been undergoing trials and operating with aircraft and drones. Photo: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire