Royal Navy: 23 heartwarming photos capturing the moment families are reunited after HMS Defender and HMS Diamond return to Portsmouth

THESE were the heartwarming scenes at the naval base in Portsmouth as families were reunited in time for Christmas.

HMS Defender and HMS Diamond sailed back into port on Thursday after seven month deployments as part of the Carrier Strike Group.

Families were waiting at Portsmouth naval base waiting to greet the sailors as they disembarked.

You can see 23 photos capturing the heartwarming moments loved ones were reunited in our gallery below.

Make sure to click through all the pages!

5. HMS Diamond

Joanna Taylor, Helen Taylor and Peter Taylor at the arrival of HMS Diamond. Picture: Habibur Rahman Photo: Habibur Rahman

Wightman family with Chief petty officer Victor (Zippy) at HMS Diamond's homecoming. Picture: Habibur Rahman Photo: Habibur Rahman

Commanding officer Matthew Marriott of HMS Diamond with his wife, Susie Marriott. Picture: Habibur Rahman Photo: Habibur Rahman

Crew members stepping off HMS Diamond embracing their loved ones. Picture: Habibur Rahman Photo: Habibur Rahman