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
Excitement builds for return of sailors
Families are waiting at the naval base for HMS Diamond and HMS Defender to return to Portsmouth - and excitement is building.
Here are some pictures from the scene! All taken by Habibur Rahman
First sight of HMS Defender
HMS Defender is set to sail into the naval base at around 9am.
What time will HMS Diamond and HMS Defender arrive?
HMS Defender will be the first ship back - she is expected back at HMNB Portsmouth at 9am.
She will then be followed by HMS Diamond who will sail back into the port at 10am.
HMS Queen Elizabeth due in this afternoon
HMS Queen Elizabeth is due to pass the Nab Tower in the Solent at about 2.30pm.
She is expected to be alongside at 3.20pm.
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