This rotation ensures that one carrier remains ready for priority deployments at short notice, while the other undergoes routine maintenance. HMS Prince of Wales is preparing to lead the upcoming UK Carrier Strike Group 2025 operation, which will see the ship and her task force embark on a global mission east of the Suez Canal.
There will be no formal ceremony for the transfer of flagship responsibilities, but the two carriers recently met briefly in UK waters. HMS Prince of Wales will officially become flagship during her visit to Liverpool, where she is expected to arrive at 10am.
Captain Will Blackett, Commanding Officer of HMS Prince of Wales, remarked: “This is a proud moment for HMS Prince of Wales. We’ve been training hard, ably assisted by our sister ship HMS Queen Elizabeth. We’re ready, we’re excited, and look forward to taking the next step in the ship’s life.”
Captain Will King, Commanding Officer of HMS Queen Elizabeth, offered his support: “Every Sailor in HMS Queen Elizabeth knows the pride that comes from serving in the RN Flagship. I wish HMS Prince of Wales every success taking on the title – they will do a fantastic job. As her sister-ship we stand ready to support her in every way.”
HMS Prince of Wales recently completed Exercise Strike Warrior in the North Sea as part of preparations for her global deployment. During the exercise, the carrier embarked F-35B Lightning jets from 809 Naval Air Squadron for the first time, tackling a range of operational scenarios to enhance readiness for next year’s mission.
This week, the carrier was in Glen Mallan, Scotland, loading ammunition before heading to Liverpool for a seven-day visit. The visit will give the ship’s 800-strong crew opportunities to engage with local schools, community projects, and civic leaders, while offering the public a glimpse into life aboard the Portsmouth-based warship.
This is the first time HMS Prince of Wales has visited Liverpool since March 2020, just before the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted her schedule. The ship remains operationally ready during her time in the city, while HMS Queen Elizabeth focuses on essential training at sea and a port visit to Hamburg later this month, following a recent UK-Germany defence agreement.
