Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth to visit Portsmouth this December
Her Majesty the Queen will formally commission her namesake aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, into the Royal Navy fleet in just three weeks’ time, visiting Portsmouth on Thursday 7th December for an official ceremony.
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson announced the news as he made his first landing onto the deck of the carrier today, while she was at sea sailing around the South Coast of England.
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “In a world of intensifying global threats, this magnificent ship will be a leading force fighting to protect the values of the UK and our allies. It’s an honour to visit her at sea, and to meet such a passionate crew.
“I’m sure Her Majesty will be similarly impressed at next month’s historic ceremony for the nation’s new flagship, which proudly bears her name.”
Her Majesty will be joined by a host of dignitaries from the Royal Family, Government, and the military, before saying a few words as Lady Sponsor. The commissioning warrant will then be read and the White Ensign raised, symbolizing the acceptance of HMS Queen Elizabeth into Her Majesty’s fleet.
Able Seaman Laura Suttle, at rehearsals for Change of the Guard at HMS Excellent
It will be the first time Her Majesty the Queen has visited the UK’s new flagship since she formally named her in Rosyth, Scotland in July 2014.
Since then, the ship has been completed, sailed into her home dock of Portsmouth for the first time, and is now continuing her sea trials. Her identical sister ship, HMS Prince of Wales, has also been formally named and is now structurally complete.
The Defence Secretary took a Merlin helicopter from RAF Northolt and landed on the flight-deck this morning, where he met the ship’s company, from the Captain Jerry Kyd to the most junior ranks.
Captain Jerry Kyd said: “I was delighted to be able to welcome the Defence Secretary on board HMS Queen Elizabeth at what is a very exciting time for the ship, for the Royal Navy, and for Defence as we move into the final phase of our sea trials.
“We spoke about the progress made on our trials so far and the exciting future ahead as the UK regenerates its strike carrier capability.
Able Seaman Alexandra Stacey stood to attention during the practice drill, for Change of the Guard
“We’re glad the Defence Secretary took the time to visit us and really get under the skin of this aircraft carrier and see for himself the enormous potential of this ship that will be deployed across the globe for the next half century.”
Both of the UK’s aircraft carriers are being delivered by the Aircraft Carrier Alliance, a unique partnering relationship between industry and the UK Ministry of Defence.
Sailors from across the Royal Navy are preparing for the honour of guarding Her Majesty the Queen and other members for the Royal Family for the first time ever.
Drill instructors from the Army’s Guards Division have been working closely with the Royal Navy’s ceremonial instructors, as preparations at HMS Excellent in Portsmouth are underway for what will be a first for the Senior Service as they prepare to guard at Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace, Windsor Castle, and the Tower of London.
Their know-how is being passed to sailors from ships and units across the Royal Navy and helping them understand the intricate routines and movements needed for the Queen’s Royal Guard.
Warrant Officer Eddie Wearing, State Ceremonial Training Officer for the Royal Navy, said: “It’s daunting, but I’m very excited. It’s something which I’ve been pushing for since I started in-post. I’m looking forward to it all, but very apprehensive at the moment. Training is going well. I think we are on the curve and where we should be at the moment.”
Secretary of State for Defence, Rt Hon Gavin Williamson MP, visited HMS Queen Elizabeth