'We don't listen to Donald Trump': HMS Queen Elizabeth back in Portsmouth as families hail her return to sea
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Arrogant remarks from the US President have not damaged the military families’ pride in the Royal Navy
Waving families and loved ones welcomed HMS Queen Elizabeth home to Portsmouth after months away.
The Royal Navy aircraft carrier sailed past The Round Tower in Old Portsmouth just before 10am this morning (April 27). Delighted sailors greeted the clusters of people along the Hot Walls who were waiting to see them.
Hayley and Mark Barnett, of Hilsea, were ecstatic to see their son, 32-year-old Leading Hand Luke Barnett - who has served for ten years. “He’s really looking forward to coming back home and seeing his wife and the family,” Hayley told The News.
“We’re lucky because he’s been able to see us when he can, coming back on trains, but it’s always hard when he’s out on deployment. It’s absolutely amazing to see HMS Queen Elizabeth at sea.”
Mark added: “She’s been in the dry dock for so long. Luke said he walked underneath the carrier when she was in dry dock. To see her floating on the water now, you can’t imagine. He’s had some great experiences in the navy. The more ships the navy can get to sea the better. We’ve got to be proud as a nation, and the Royal Navy is part of that.”
“We’re proud of the Royal Navy”
The return to HMNB Portsmouth marked both Queen Elizabeth-class carriers being at sea again. Her sister ship, HMS Prince of Wales, left the naval base last Friday (April 24) ahead of sea trials - workup exercises before taking the helm of the UK Carrier Strike Group on Operation Firecrest in the North Atlantic and Arctic.
The 65,000 tonne warships have been the subject to dismissive remarks from US President Donald Trump during several tirades. Amid the escalating Iran war, where Mr Trump repeatedly criticised the UK’s lack of direct involvement, He brazenly described them as “toys” and said they “don’t work”.
Mark said both warships being at sea puts the US President’s insults to bed. He added: “Is anyone here actually listening to Donal Trump’s comments and taking it to heart? I don’t think so. We certainly haven’t. We’re proud of our son and proud of the Royal Navy and its heritage since the Tudor years. Donald Trump can’t do that, he doesn’t go back that far.”
Months on the side-lines
HMS Queen Elizabeth originally left Portsmouth on July 16, 2025, after significant upgrades were made to her propulsion systems and other parts of the ship. Following sea trials and Fleet Operational Standards and Training (FOST) drills, the £3.2bn warship proceeded to the dry dock in Rosyth where she was originally built. Mechanical problems were discovered in Portsmouth during routine machinery tests.
The huge warship had been in the Babcock International facility since September 2025, and was maneuvered out of the dry dock last week. Claire Lockyer, of Waterlooville, said it was a wonderful moment to see the carrier on the water.
“There are always loads of stuff in the media about the ships not working,” she added. “Hopefully both carriers being at sea puts those headlines behind us. It’s nice HMS Queen Elizabeth is coming back to Portsmouth after being in Rosyth for months and months. It’s great she’s back in the city.”
She stood on The Round Tower ahead of seeing her 19-year-old son, AB Zane Lockyer. “Zane has had some spectacular experiences already,” Claire said. “He joined the carrier in December, and before that, he was doing all sorts while he was training and had lots of opportunities.
“It’s hard work for him and sometimes lots of waiting around, but he’s definitely enjoying it and happy to get his sea time. He really wants to get out to sea. He joined at 17 and one day said ‘mum, I'm joining the Royal Navy’. He applied straight from school. I was pleased for him that he made a decision on what he wants to do. I’m a bit apprehensive, but his grandad was in the navy and we have a naval background, so I’m pleased with it.”
Louise and Malcolm Spiers, of Chichester, waved at the crew hoping to see their son, Warrant Officer Robert Harvey, 52, of Gosport - who has served for 30 years. “HMS Queen Elizabeth has way to go before she’s ready to go out for sea trials,” Louise said.
“I’m proud of the crew. It’s a lot of hard work to get her ready. Robert’s really looking forward to seeing The Round Tower. When he’s come in before, he hasn’t always been able to see it this close. The ship’s so huge he can get a better view. He’ll go back home to Gosport and we’ll have a get together when he’s free. He’s delighted to be back at sea again on such a huge ship. It’s a completely different lifestyle. I’m very proud of his service.”
Lesley Smith travelled all the way from South Wales to see her son aboard ship, AWT Matthew Smith. She said she’ll remember the moment of seeing the carrier forever. “It’s the first time I've seen him come into Portsmouth aboard ship,” she added.
“It’ll be a great experience, which is why I’ve travelled all this way. He’s always been in the Army cadets, but has gone in the Navy route. He’s always wanted to do something like that. I’m extremely proud of him.”