HMS Prince of Wales returns to Liverpool

Britain’s biggest aircraft carrier is set to make a triumphant return to her affiliated city with a week-long visit to Liverpool.

HMS Prince of Wales will spend seven days on the Mersey, allowing her 800 crew to engage with local schools, community projects and civic leaders – and give the public an insight into life aboard the Portsmouth-based warship as she gears up for her maiden deployment.

It’s the first time since March 2020 – just before the country went into lockdown at the beginning of the Covid pandemic – that the ship’s schedule has allowed her to visit Merseyside.

That maiden appearance drew hundreds of thousands of people to the city – with around 20,000 members of the public enjoying a tour of the carrier.

Commanding Officer Captain Will Blackett and his ship’s company are hoping for a similar welcome upon the carrier’s return.

Captain Blackett said: “It is a great privilege to bring the ship to Liverpool – a city with very special historical links to the Royal Navy – and it is a particular honour for us to receive the Freedom of the City this week.  This is the culmination of a very busy autumn training programme.

“The ship’s company deserve recognition for their remarkable efforts, and this visit allows us to show you what we do.”

Among his 800-strong ship’s company – whose duties range from engineers through chefs, gunners, and warfare specialists to the men and women who safely direct air operations on and off the sprawling flight deck and sailors who guide the 932ft ship safely through the oceans – are some from Merseyside for whom the visit is particularly special.

For junior marine engineering officer Sub Lieutenant Yasemin Dilek, the fact that the aircraft carrier is affiliated with her city makes HMS Prince of Wales a ‘home away from away’, with reminders throughout the ship such as passageway signs: Smithdown Road, Matthew Street and Anfield.

She said: “I believe we take a part of Liverpool everywhere we go. You never really detach from it – it’s always home and we love to share our experiences and stories about our special place with everyone we meet – it’s even better when these feelings are reciprocated with the kind words and opinions others share for our amazing city,” she added.

“No matter where you are in the world, the chances are you’ll bump into a Scouser and that warm fuzzy feeling of home and pride takes over. This is why I am incredibly excited about the Ship’s upcoming trip to Liverpool, and I’m certain that the first sight of those two Liver birds, set against our gorgeous city skyline, as we bring the ship through the River Mersey to our berth, will be a highlight which I will cherish for the rest of my career.” 

The highlight for them will be the Freedom Parade on Friday December 6 – the first time sailors from the ship have had the opportunity to celebrate holding the city’s highest civic honour. (Details of the event and march route will be provided closer to the date).

Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Richard Kemp, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be welcoming HMS Prince of Wales back to Liverpool.

“We are extremely proud that the vessel is affiliated with Liverpool, and during the visit, we will be awarding it the Freedom of the City.

“I know that many local people will be keen to go on board to have a look around and learn more about the important work of HMS Prince of Wales in keeping our nation safe.”

Getting tickets

As she did in 2020, HMS Prince of Wales will open her gangway to the public – with 10,000 guests expected on each of the two days (Saturday December 7 and Sunday December 8). Entry is by ticket only and you must apply in advance – they can be booked here: https://www.cultureliverpool.co.uk/hms-prince-of-wales/ ‎

The ship will celebrate her ties with the city by renaming one of the main passageways aboard after the Beatles’ classic Penny Lane, complete with street sign donated by on behalf of the City by Lord Mayor, Cllr Richard Kemp.

Civic dignitaries and leading figures from industry, education and Liverpool’s cultural scene will be treated to a demonstration of what the ship and her sailors can do, followed by a Ceremonial Sunset ceremony supported by the Corps of Drums of His Majesty’s Royal Marines.

And hundreds of teenagers and young people will be invited aboard for a day celebrating studying/careers harnessing Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) in the Royal Navy and beyond.

HMS Prince of Wales is due to arrive at the Cruise Liner Terminal on Monday December 2 having conducted aviation and gunnery training in UK waters.

She will depart on Monday December 9, returning to Portsmouth with families of many of the crew members embarked to give them an insight into life at sea.