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!

17. HMS Defender

Jenni Smith with James, Evelyn 7 and Matthew 5 as she steps of HMS Defender. Picture: Habibur Rahman Photo: Habibur Rahman

Daniel Hill, Sophia 3, Kelly Jenkins-Hill, Simon Jenkins in front of HMS Defender. Picture: Habibur Rahman Photo: Habibur Rahman

Families embracing their loved ones as soon as they step off HMS Defender. Picture: Habibur Rahman Photo: Habibur Rahman

Jenni Smith embraces with Evelyn 7 in front of HMS Defender. Picture: Habibur Rahman Photo: Habibur Rahman