Following Audiences at Sandringham with the President of Ukraine and Prime Minister of Canada, King Charles III has made a historic visit to the Royal Navy’s aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, as the ship nears the final stages of its preparations for a significant deployment to the Indo-Pacific this spring.
The visit marks the first time in nearly 40 years that a reigning Monarch has joined a Royal Navy warship at sea, highlighting the importance of the mission ahead.
King Charles visited HMS Prince of Wales. (Royal Family)
The King flew to the Portsmouth-based flagship while it was operating in the English Channel, where its crew was completing intensive training exercises. His Majesty, who holds the role of Honorary Commodore-in-Chief Aircraft Carriers and is also Head of the Armed Forces, met with Royal Navy and Royal Air Force personnel during his time aboard.
Addressing the ship’s company, the King acknowledged their dedication and the significance of the deployment, which aims to strengthen the UK’s defence partnerships and reinforce stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
The King onboard HMS Prince of Wales. (Defence Imagery)
Charles told personnel that he ‘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’.
‘I can sense the anticipation and excitement amongst many of you today for what lies ahead over the next eight months and all I can say is I will be watching your progress with great interest’.
His Majesty stated that the deployment ‘comes amidst new challenges in an ever-changing and more unpredictable world; it will undoubtedly demand tenacity and determination, both at sea and for those you leave behind at home’.
‘Whether protecting vital shipping lanes, fostering partnerships with our allies, or indeed remaining alert and at readiness for eventualities that we hope may never come to pass, your work helps to ensure the safety and prosperity of the UK, our allies and our partners.’
His Majesty received a tour of the ship. (Defence Imagery)
The upcoming mission will see HMS Prince of Wales sail to Japan, leading a task force designed to enhance security cooperation with allied nations. This journey underscores Britain’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, a region of increasing strategic importance.
During his visit, the King engaged in conversations with various crew members, sharing anecdotes and showing a keen interest in their roles aboard the carrier. Chief Physical Training Instructor Adrian Barker had the opportunity to discuss deck hockey and tug of war with the monarch, remarking on how His Majesty clearly had fond memories of working with PTIs in the past. ‘It was not what I expected, and really warming and easy to talk to,’ Barker said of the encounter.
Charles greeted those working onboard the ship. (Defence Imagery)
Able Seaman Marc Rutherford, who met King Charles on the bridge, described the experience as “the proudest day of my life since joining the Royal Navy.” He added, ‘I’m still in shock—he was funny, and I was surprised he would support a team like Burnley – Newcastle would be much better.’
As the carrier prepares to set sail, the crew will carry forward The King’s words of encouragement and recognition of their hard work. The historic deployment will not only enhance defence relationships but also demonstrate the UK’s capability to project power and influence across the globe.
