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
Which ship will return next?
Next up will be HMS Diamond - another warship in the Carrier Strike Group!
Picture captures excitement as HMS Defender returns home
Photo from Alex Shute
Four photos showing HMS Defender sailing into Portsmouth
Alex Shute has captured the moment that HMS Defender sailed into Portsmouth Harbour
Waiting for John Harris
The family of John Harris are waiting at the naval base with this excellent sign!
Preparations in the harbour
Our photographer Alex Shute has snapped some pictures showing the preparations underway in the harbour this morning ahead of the return of the warships
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