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

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HMS Queen Elizabeth has returned to Portsmouth for the first time in seven months.

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

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

Welcome home HMS Diamond!

Pictures of HMS Diamond returning to Portsmouth

All pictures from Alex Shute

HMS DiamondHMS Diamond
HMS Diamond
HMS DiamondHMS Diamond
HMS Diamond
HMS DiamondHMS Diamond
HMS Diamond
HMS DiamondHMS Diamond
HMS Diamond

HMS Diamond and HMS Defender side by side

HMS Defender and HMS DiamondHMS Defender and HMS Diamond
HMS Defender and HMS Diamond

More pictures of HMS Diamond

HMS DiamondHMS Diamond
HMS Diamond

Picture: Alex Shute

More pictures of HMS Diamond

HMS Diamond in the SolentHMS Diamond in the Solent
HMS Diamond in the Solent

Message from HMS Diamond’s CO

Families reunited!

HMS DefenderHMS Defender
HMS Defender

Sharisia Clarke with Jamane 6

HMS DefenderHMS Defender
HMS Defender

Jenni Smith and Evelyn 7 embrace as HMS Defender returns home.

HMS Diamond spotted closing in on her return

HMS Diamond closes in on a return to PortsmouthHMS Diamond closes in on a return to Portsmouth
HMS Diamond closes in on a return to Portsmouth

Picture: Alex Shute

Heartwarming moment that families were reunited!

Families reunited as HMS Defender returns homeFamilies reunited as HMS Defender returns home
Families reunited as HMS Defender returns home
Families reunited as HMS Defender returns homeFamilies reunited as HMS Defender returns home
Families reunited as HMS Defender returns home
Families reunited as HMS Defender returns homeFamilies reunited as HMS Defender returns home
Families reunited as HMS Defender returns home

Lft Kelly Jenkins- Hill is reunited with her daughter Sophia, 3, who she hasn’t seen for a year, and husband Simon Jenkins. The family is from Gosport.

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