29 superb pictures of families giving HMS Prince of Wales a glorious welcome home to Portsmouth

Ecstatic families beamed with pride as they welcomed the Royal Navy flagship home to Portsmouth.

HMS Prince of Wales sailed past The Round Tower in Old Portsmouth at roughly 8.30am this morning (July 24). Large crowds lined up along the Hot Walls to greet the 65,000 tonne warship.

Large banners with different designs were held up to the personnel as the carrier sailed past. Flags were held high to catch the attention of those on board. Spectators clapped and cheered loudly in response to the ship’s horn.

NOW READ: Full Report of proud families welcoming HMS Prince of Wales home

The £3.2bn warship left HMNB Portsmouth on April 24 for Operation Firecrest, taking the helm of the UK Carrier Strike Group (UKCSG). Alongside Type 45 destroyer HMS Duncan, naval support ship RFA Tidespring, F-35B fighter jets, and rotary wing with un-crewed autonomous systems, British personnel completed the first phase of the deployment.

Light maintenance will be conducted on the Portsmouth-based aircraft carrier and destroyer, before they set off again for phase two. Personnel will be given a well-earned rest in the meantime. Here are 29 pictures from today’s homecoming.

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