Prince Charles gives UK's new aircraft carrier the royal seal of approval
IT'S a ship that bears his name.
And now the Prince of Wales has given the navy’s future aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales the royal seal of approval.
Prince Charles visited the carrier at her docks in Rosyth, Scotland, yesterday.
The royal – a former naval officer – stood proudly on the deck of the carrier, which will be based in Portsmouth, to watch a 570-tonne block being lowered into place.
Speaking after the event, Prince Charles said: ‘I feel even more proud of everyone who has contributed to the build of HMS Prince of Wales.
‘Nothing could have given me greater pleasure than to be with you here today.’
Ian Booth, managing director of the Aircraft Carrier Alliance, said the visit was an ‘honour’.
‘This moment marks the end of eight years of manufacturing for the Queen Elizabet-class programme across our six build yards across the UK,’ he added.
One of the newest members of the carrier’s 43-strong ship’s company is Able Rate Iain Harris, 23. He had the chance to meet the prince.
He said: ‘It is a fantastic honour to be part of the royal visit today and to actually meet His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales.
‘Today marks a really proud moment in my naval career and one I will definitely remember.’
HMS Prince of Wales is due to be handed over to the Royal Navy in 2019.
Her sister ship, HMS Queen Elizabeth, is closer to being finished and is due to head to Portsmouth in late spring of next year.