HMS Queen Elizabeth: The Queen sends message welcoming Royal Navy carrier back to Portsmouth - latest updates
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The Royal Navy’s fleet flagship finally sailed back into her home port after leaving on her first operational mission.
HMS Diamond and HMS Defender, which were part of the Carrier Strike Group, have already arrived back in Portsmouth today.
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According to shipping movements published by the Queen’s Harbour Master, Queen Elizabeth will pass the Nab Tower in the Solent at about 2.30pm.
The main harbour channel will be closed to outbound shipping from 2.50pm while the carrier manoeuvres her way in, and will remain so until 4.50pm.
Queen Elizabeth is expected to be alongside at about 3.20pm.
The best spots to watch the carrier and the other ships sail back into Portsmouth include the Square Tower and the Round Tower – although you should expect them to be busy as they are popular.
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Live updates as HMS Queen Elizabeth returns to Portsmouth
Key Events
- Carrier returns after first operational mission
- Deployment has taken QE to the Far East
- HMS Diamond and HMS Defender have also returned
Heartwarming moment families were reunited
Captain of HMS Diamond praises ‘incredible strength’ of Royal Navy sailors
The captain of one of Britain’s most powerful warships has praised the ‘incredible strength’ of his crew for overcoming huge challenges during their seven-month mission at sea.
HMS Diamond made her triumphant return to Portsmouth Naval Base today having completed her stint bodyguarding the Royal Navy’s £3.2bn flagship, HMS Queen Elizabeth on her maiden voyage.
But the journey has been far from smooth sailing for the £1bn destroyer, which was faced with a disastrous engine failure in July and the difficulties of the coronavirus pandemic.
More photos of the crowds waiting for HMS QE
Pictures by Alex Shute.
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