Duke of Wellington tours HMS Iron Duke

The Duke of Wellington is greeted on the gangway by HMS Iron Dukes commanding officer Cdr Ben Aldous
Picture: LA(Phot) Guy Pool RN/MoD — The Duke of Wellington is greeted on the gangway by HMS Iron Dukes commanding officer Cdr Ben Aldous Picture: LA(Phot) Guy Pool RN/MoD

Along with his wife Princess Antonia, the Duchess of Wellington, Charles Wellesley learnt about the Type 23 frigate’s work in the Baltic from its Commanding Officer, Commander Ben Aldous.

The tour, which included the bridge, operations room, the ship’s control centre and galley, was followed by a chat to crew members about life on board.

The guests also had chance to learn about the role and capabilities of the vessel.

Commander Aldous said: ‘I was honoured as the commanding officer to host a visit from the Duke of Wellington, the ship’s namesake.

‘On his first visit to HMS Iron Duke last Friday, it was a pleasure to introduce the Duke and his wife to members of the ship’s company and to provide them with an update on our recent Nato deployment to the Baltic and our forthcoming programme.’

HMS Iron Duke is named after the 1st Duke of Wellington – her recent visitor is the ninth Duke of Wellington.

Based in Portsmouth, she recently completed a six-month deployment off Norway in the Baltic.

The ship clocked up more than 22,500 nautical miles in her 180 days away, working alongside Nato allies.