HMS Prince of Wales: Royal Navy carrier given warm welcome on first arrival in Liverpool

HMS Prince of Wales was greeted by waving crowds as she arrived in Liverpool for the first time.
HMS Prince of Wales has arrived in Liverpool for the first time. Picture: LPhot Swainsbury/Royal NavyHMS Prince of Wales has arrived in Liverpool for the first time. Picture: LPhot Swainsbury/Royal Navy
HMS Prince of Wales has arrived in Liverpool for the first time. Picture: LPhot Swainsbury/Royal Navy

The second of the UK’s giant new Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers sailed has sailed along the River Mersey for a week-long visit packed with celebrations and engagement with the local community.

Wet and windy weather did not deter members of the public who lined the area around Liverpool’s cruise terminal to see the 65,000-tonne carrier come alongside this afternoon.

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Captain Darren Houston, the Commanding Officer of HMS Prince of Wales, said: ‘The visit of HMS Prince of Wales to the great maritime city of Liverpool is an important step in forging enduring relationships with the city and her people.

‘I am deeply humbled by the incredibly warm welcome we have received and I am delighted to allow members of the public to visit the ship – the first time this has happened for the Queen Elizabeth-class.

‘The tremendous support displayed by Liverpool demonstrates the remarkable depth of feeling that people have for the ship and the Royal Navy.’

HMS Prince of Wales is affiliated with the cities of Liverpool and Bristol.

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Petty Officer Joe Hornby, 36, from Kirby in Liverpool, is an aircraft engineer.

He has been in the Royal Navy for 17 years.

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He said: ‘It’s going to be such a good day and everyone is really excited to see me. My family have been asking about it and it will be so good to show them the ship.

‘I joined up in the careers office in Liverpool, and it seems like a long time ago. If someone told me then I would be coming back into the city on one of the aircraft carriers, I wouldn’t have believed them.

‘I can’t wait for my family to see the carrier, it is the first time they will see it and it makes it even more special that it is in Liverpool. The whole city will be so excited.’

HMS Prince of Wales is expected to remain in Liverpool until next Friday.

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