King Charles has visited the Royal Navy’s flagship, HMS Prince of Wales, ahead of its upcoming deployment to the Indo-Pacific, marking the first time in nearly 40 years that a reigning monarch has set foot on a Royal Navy warship at sea.
The King, who serves as Honorary Commodore-in-Chief Aircraft Carriers, flew to the 65,000-tonne aircraft carrier as it sailed through the English Channel. His visit came as the crew completed final preparations for their eight-month mission, which will see the UK Carrier Strike Group strengthen defence ties in the Indo-Pacific region.
During his time aboard, the King observed F-35B fighter jets conducting landing exercises on the flight deck before addressing sailors in the ship’s hangar.
“As you prepare to set sail as the flagship of the UK Carrier Strike Group, building on the success of HMS Queen Elizabeth’s inaugural deployment in 2021, I just wanted to express, on behalf of the nation, my heartfelt gratitude for the extraordinarily valuable contributions and personal sacrifices that you and your families continue to make in the name of duty,” he said.
Accompanied by the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Ben Key, and the head of the Royal Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, the King spent time meeting crew members and discussing the significance of the upcoming deployment.
HMS Prince of Wales’s mission to Japan is aimed at deepening the UK’s defence partnerships and promoting security in the region. The ship’s Commanding Officer, Captain Will Blackett, highlighted the importance of the visit.
“It was a great honour to host His Majesty onboard today. I was able to show him first-hand that HMS Prince of Wales is at high readiness, standing by to deliver for the UK when ordered. His visit was a great source of morale for my excellent ship’s company, and we look forward to making him proud in all our endeavours this year.”
For the crew, the visit was a rare and significant moment. Able Seaman Marc Rutherford, who met the King on the bridge, described the experience as a personal highlight.
“It was the proudest day of my life since joining the Royal Navy. I’m still in shock. He was funny, and I was surprised he would support a team like Burnley. Newcastle would be much better.”
HMS Prince of Wales is now in its final phase of training before departing for Japan, where it will represent the UK in a high-profile deployment focused on international defence cooperation.
