Royal Navy: 33 glorious pictures of HMS Prince of Wales sailing from Portsmouth as she heads for Nato mission

The Royal Navy aircraft carrier is heading towards the North Sea as part of Exercise Steadfast Defender – a Nato mission involving more than 40 vessels. It is Nato’s largest mission since The Cold War.

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Hundreds of well-wishers – including families and loved ones of crew members – gathered in Old Portsmouth to watch them leave yesterday afternoon (February 12). The 65,000 tonne warship was a majestic sight in the glorious sunshine. Her initial departure was scheduled for Sunday afternoon (February 11).

No reason was given by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for the last minute change. Here are 33 pictures of the ship leaving Portsmouth.