Huge crowds come out in Portsmouth to see HMS Queen Elizabeth depart

The Royal Navy’s fleet flagship is sailing out of the naval base this afternoon.

HMS Diamond, HMS Defender and HMS Kent also departed earlier in the day.

Despite heavy rain showers, it has not stopped crowds from gathering in Old Portsmouth – in particular at the Round Tower and Square Tower.

Pictures and videos show the seafront is very busy this afternoon.

Have you gone down to watch HMS Queen Elizabeth leave today? Let us know in the comments below.

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The Carrier Strike Group, designated CSG21, will visit more than 40 countries on a seven month deployment.

Joining HMS Queen Elizabeth will be four Royal Navy warships, the USS Sullivan from America and a Dutch frigate.

The £3bn warship, with eight RAF and 10 US Marine Corps F35B stealth fighter jets on board, will depart for Asia accompanied by six Royal Navy ships, a submarine, 14 naval helicopters and a company of Royal Marines.

Follow the updates in our live blog – here.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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