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Her Majesty The Queen launches Royal Navy’s largest ship yet

Published on: 12 Dec 2017

The largest warship ever built for the Royal Navy has just been launched by Her Majesty The Queen.

At a ceremony at Portsmouth’s naval base attended by defence secretary Gavin Williamson and military chiefs, Her Majesty addressed guests before the ship’s commanding officer, captain Jerry Kyd, read the commissioning warrant.

The iconic White Ensign was then raised, symbolising the commissioning of the nation’s future flagship into the Royal Navy’s fleet.

After completing final build activity and preparing for helicopter trials in early 2018, HMS Queen Elizabeth will head to the United States for initial flight trials off the coast in the autumn.

At 284 metres long, HMS Queen Elizabeth is capable of carrying up to 40 aircraft with enough space to accommodate up to 250 Royal Marines. More than 10,000 people throughout the UK have contributed to the delivery of the ship under the aircraft carrier alliance.

Defence secretary Gavin Williamson said the ship’s launch signalled the start of “a hugely significant chapter for the Royal Navy and indeed the nation”.

“Our new aircraft carrier is the epitome of British design and dexterity at the core of our efforts to build an armed forces fit for the future,” he commented.

“For the next half a century, [HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales] will advance our interests around the globe, providing the most visible symbol of our intent and commitment to protect the UK from intensifying threats, wherever they may come from.”