Summary

  • HMS Prince of Wales returns to Portsmouth after months away on deployment

  • Since April the giant ship has been home to 1,600 military personnel.

  • The vessel has led a multi-national fleet of warships for a global deployment known as "Operation High Mast".

Live Reporting

Steve Humphrey and Allen Sinclair in Portsmouth, Emily Ford in Southampton, edited by Jo Couzens

  1. Sun is out for the vessel's return

    Isabella Holliday
    Portsmouth

    Crowds wave flags ready to greet HMS Prince of Wales

    People are beginning to flood in to the base to see their loved ones arrive home in time for Christmas after an eight-month deployment abroad.

    Flags are being waved and the weather could not be better.

    The sun is shining and although we're all wrapped up warm in coats, we're grateful to not be caught in the heavy rain that is forecast for tomorrow.

    We’re expecting the ship to arrive in the next hour or so and it's anticipated to be a hugely momentous event.

  2. An early homecoming

    HMS Prince of Wales is coming in to Portsmouth a day early because of bad weather.

    Patriotic crowds, including loved ones, have been gathering to welcome the vessel home to the UK after it has travelled 40,000 nautical miles around the globe.

    After the mammoth deployment, those on board the aircraft carrier will be home for Christmas, proud of what they have achieved and ready for some well-earned leave.

  3. The Royal Navy’s flagship

    The logo of British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales is seen while docking at the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal in Tokyo on August 28, 2025YUICHI YAMAZAKI/AFP via Getty Images

    The £3bn aircraft carrier has been used to showcase the UK’s ability to run complex military operations worldwide.

    It is the Royal Navy’s flagship and forms part of the UK’s Carrier Strike Group, which includes Portsmouth destroyer HMS Dauntless, Plymouth frigate HMS Richmond, as well as warships from Norway, Canada and other Nato members.

  4. HMS Prince of Wales due to arrive in Portsmouth

    Tugs support the HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier on the River Mersey as she departs Liverpool, Merseyside, UK on 9 December 2024 after visiting the city for the second time.Getty Images

    Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the HMS Prince of Wales returning to Portsmouth, having been deployed at sea since April.

    There are 1,600 personnel on board the vessel and many of them will have family waiting at the Naval Base to greet them as they disembark.

    The aircraft carrier is due alongside at 13.15 GMT.