HMS Prince of Wales: Royal Navy carrier sails under the Forth Bridge ahead of sea trials

THE Royal Navy’s newest carrier has set off for the first time.
HMS Prince of Wales sets sail for initial sea trials. Picture: LPhot Robert OatesHMS Prince of Wales sets sail for initial sea trials. Picture: LPhot Robert Oates
HMS Prince of Wales sets sail for initial sea trials. Picture: LPhot Robert Oates

Eight years after her steel was cut, HMS Prince of Wales – the sister ship to Portsmouth-based HMS Queen Elizabeth – sailed from Rosyth and under the Forth Bridge to begin her inaugural sea trials.

Initial testing will put the ship through its paces in speed and propulsion, with her maiden visit to Portsmouth scheduled for December.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

HMS Queen Elizabeth is currently in the Atlantic Ocean, ahead of the operational trials with the F-35B fighter jets.

HMS Prince of Wales sets sail for initial sea trials. Picture: LPhot Robert OatesHMS Prince of Wales sets sail for initial sea trials. Picture: LPhot Robert Oates
HMS Prince of Wales sets sail for initial sea trials. Picture: LPhot Robert Oates
Read More
Naval base gets major upgrade ahead of receiving HMS Prince of Wales

The new 920ft aircraft carrier will join HMS Queen Elizabeth as having Portsmouth as her home port.

Together they cost the British government £6.2bn.

In a statement on Sunday sailed under the bridge, defence minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan said: ‘Prince of Wales’ departure from Rosyth is a landmark moment for the carrier programme.

‘As the ship takes the next step to becoming fully operational, she carries with her the story of Britain's maritime might.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘This tremendous achievement is a testament to the talent of British industry and I look forward to the moment we can welcome her into the Royal Navy family.’

For all the latest news, traffic and travel, what’s on, Pompey, sport and breaking stories visit The News’s website.

If there is a story you think we should know about, you can contact us via our email [email protected] or via our social media channels – Facebook or Twitter.

Do not contact us while you are driving. To stay up to date with all the latest Portsmouth news follow us on twitter @portsmouthnews or like our Facebook page.

Sign up for our WhatsApp service to get the latest news direct to your phone.