HMS Prince of Wales: Families filled with 'pride' as aircraft carrier leaves Portsmouth for the first time

Crowds of family members and well-wishers have gathered across the seafront to wave goodbye to sailors on-board HMS Prince of Wales as it leaves for Liverpool.
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The aircraft carrier, which is based in Portsmouth, is due to arrive in Liverpool on Friday, February 28.

The 700-strong crew of the ship departed to waving crowds across Old Portsmouth and Southsea – including one family flying a flag of special significance to one sailor.

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Kirsten Bell brought a Manchester City football flag to fly from the Round Tower, in Broad Street, hoping to catch the eye of her Mancunian husband, Petty Officer David Bell.

The family of Petty Officer David Bell, serving on-board HMS Prince of Wales, saw the ship depart from the Round Tower. Pictured (left to right): Kirsten Bell, Kirsten's father David Pearson, his granddaughter Daisy Bell, and Kirsten's mother Mary Pearson.The family of Petty Officer David Bell, serving on-board HMS Prince of Wales, saw the ship depart from the Round Tower. Pictured (left to right): Kirsten Bell, Kirsten's father David Pearson, his granddaughter Daisy Bell, and Kirsten's mother Mary Pearson.
The family of Petty Officer David Bell, serving on-board HMS Prince of Wales, saw the ship depart from the Round Tower. Pictured (left to right): Kirsten Bell, Kirsten's father David Pearson, his granddaughter Daisy Bell, and Kirsten's mother Mary Pearson.

She said: ‘You never get used to seeing him go – it’s always emotional.

‘We’re really proud of him serving on the ship, it’s amazing.’

Portsmouth is ‘nothing but supportive’ of naval families, according to the 41-year-old, who attended with the couple’s eight-year-old daughter, Daisy.

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Kirsten said: ‘The people of Portsmouth are amazing, you cannot fault them.

HMS Prince of Wales leaving Portsmouth Naval Base for the first time heading for a visit to its affiliated city of Liverpool. Picture: Ben Mitchell/PA WireHMS Prince of Wales leaving Portsmouth Naval Base for the first time heading for a visit to its affiliated city of Liverpool. Picture: Ben Mitchell/PA Wire
HMS Prince of Wales leaving Portsmouth Naval Base for the first time heading for a visit to its affiliated city of Liverpool. Picture: Ben Mitchell/PA Wire

‘When the ships come in and out they are so supportive of the families.’

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Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan watched the ship’s departure from the Round Tower and said the city has ‘a sense of pride’ when either of the carriers leave.

He said: ‘It makes you appreciate what a great engineering feat these carriers are, forming the rebirth of naval aviation and a key role in the security of our nation.

HMS Prince of Wales sets sail from Portsmouth, as seen from Gosport
Picture: Ian HargreavesHMS Prince of Wales sets sail from Portsmouth, as seen from Gosport
Picture: Ian Hargreaves
HMS Prince of Wales sets sail from Portsmouth, as seen from Gosport Picture: Ian Hargreaves
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‘As shadow defence procurement secretary I want to make sure our Royal Navy’s ships are built in Britain.

‘90 per cent of both carriers were built in Britain, creating jobs and keeping important skills in the UK.’

HMS Prince of Wales’ week-long visit to Liverpool will be the first time the public have been allowed to tour either of the navy’s new carriers.

Free tickets for one of the 15 minute tours sold out within an hour of their release last week.

Following her visit to city, the £3.1bn supercarrier is due to tackle her next phase of sea tests ahead of her first trials with the F-35 stealth jet.