HMS Queen Elizabeth: The Queen sends message welcoming Royal Navy carrier back to Portsmouth - latest updates

HMS Queen Elizabeth has returned to Portsmouth for the first time in seven months.
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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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Royal Navy: HMS Queen Elizabeth's maiden mission to the Far East a 'huge success...
HMS Queen Elizabeth returns to PortsmouthHMS Queen Elizabeth returns to Portsmouth
HMS Queen Elizabeth returns to Portsmouth
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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.

HMS Queen Elizabeth. Picture: Alex ShuteHMS Queen Elizabeth. Picture: Alex Shute
HMS Queen Elizabeth. Picture: Alex Shute

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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We will bring you all the latest updates and reaction throughout today in our live blog.

You can find the blog at the bottom of this article.

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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

HMS Queen Elizabeth is getting closer

HMS Queen ElizabethHMS Queen Elizabeth
HMS Queen Elizabeth

Picture: Alex Shute

A moment seven months in the making

Another welcome home sign!

A welcome home sign. A welcome home sign.
A welcome home sign.

Picture: Alex Shute

It is very busy down at the Hot Walls in Old Portsmouth

Picture: Alex Shute

Hot WallsHot Walls
Hot Walls

This is the scene at the Hot Walls

A welcome home sign!

A welcome home signA welcome home sign
A welcome home sign

Picture: Alex Shute

More photos of the crowds waiting for HMS QE

Round TowerRound Tower
Round Tower
Round TowerRound Tower
Round Tower

Pictures by Alex Shute.

HMS QE has just come into view!

HMS Queen Elizabeth is now visible in the distance from Old Portsmouth!

Picture from Alex Shute

HMS Queen ElizabethHMS Queen Elizabeth
HMS Queen Elizabeth

More families waiting at the Round Tower

Kobe & Orla brown, 8, Gemma Brown and Jinny Dallyn waiting for PO Gavin BrownKobe & Orla brown, 8, Gemma Brown and Jinny Dallyn waiting for PO Gavin Brown
Kobe & Orla brown, 8, Gemma Brown and Jinny Dallyn waiting for PO Gavin Brown

Kobe & Orla Brown, 8, Gemma Brown and Jinny Dallyn waiting for PO Gavin Brown

Picture: Alex Shute

Round TowerRound Tower
Round Tower

Jenny Wilson (Sister) and Michelle Jones (Mum) waiting Holly Thurgood

Picture: Alex Shute

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