Britain’s newest aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, has left Rosyth Dockyard for the first time, eight years after her first steel was cut.

Defence Minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan said: “The ship’s departure from Rosyth is a landmark moment for the carrier programme.

“This tremendous achievement is a testament to the talent of British industry, and I look forward to the moment we can welcome her into the Royal Navy family.”

The carrier will conduct extensive sea trials off the coast of North East Scotland before arriving at her home port of Portsmouth later this year, where she will be officially commissioned into the Royal Navy by the Duchess
of Cornwall and sit alongside HMS Queen Elizabeth, her sister ship, for the first time.

The ship’s Captain, Darren Houston, said: “I am immensely proud of the professionalism and determination that my ship’s company have shown in preparing themselves and their ship for this historic day.

“Whether through working alongside our industrial partners to support the build and commissioning of key systems or training tirelessly to operate the ship and work as a team, the crew have demonstrated unfaltering dedication and resolve in the face of a multitude of challenges.”