In a powerful display of support for Britain’s Armed Forces, His Majesty King Charles III made history this week by boarding HMS Prince of Wales at sea – the first time in nearly 40 years a reigning monarch has visited a Royal Navy warship in active training.
The King flew by Royal Navy Merlin helicopter to the £3.2 billion aircraft carrier as it sailed in the English Channel on Monday, 4 March 2025.
The visit came at a critical moment, as the 65,000-tonne warship enters the final stages of intense preparations for a major global deployment to the Indo-Pacific, set to begin this spring.
HMS Prince of Wales will soon embark on an eight-month mission that will take her to Japan and beyond, strengthening the UK’s defence partnerships, deterring threats, and promoting security across the region. The high-profile deployment underscores Britain’s growing military presence in the Indo-Pacific amid rising global tensions.
MONARCH’S HIGH SEAS VISIT BOOSTS MORALE
During his time aboard, the King met with the ship’s company, engaging warmly with sailors and officers, many of whom will spend months away from home on this mission. Addressing the crew, His Majesty said: “I can sense the anticipation and excitement amongst many of you today for what lies ahead over the next eight months, and all I can say is I will be watching your progress with great interest.”
He observed F-35B Lightning jets roaring onto the vast flight deck and was given a detailed briefing on the cutting-edge technology that makes HMS Prince of Wales one of the most advanced warships in the world.
Captain Will Blackett, the ship’s commanding officer, said the visit was a major honour. “It was a privilege to welcome His Majesty on board as we prepare for our most ambitious deployment yet. The King’s presence has given the crew an incredible morale boost.”
MISSION TO THE INDO-PACIFIC
The carrier’s departure will mark one of the most significant Royal Navy deployments in years, reinforcing Britain’s commitment to a ‘free and open’ Indo-Pacific. The voyage will include military exercises with key allies such as the United States, Japan, and Australia. Notably, HMS Prince of Wales will become the first British carrier of her class to visit Australian waters, where she will take part in the multinational war games known as Talisman Sabre.
This deployment follows the UK’s 2021 ‘tilt’ towards the Indo-Pacific, a strategic move designed to counter growing threats and forge stronger alliances in the region. The task force will also include Royal Marines, RAF F-35B fighter jets, and escort ships from NATO allies such as Norway and the Netherlands.
NAVY AT THE FOREFRONT OF GLOBAL SECURITY
Defence experts see this mission as a pivotal moment for Britain’s naval power. With China expanding its military footprint in the South China Sea and tensions mounting over Taiwan, HMS Prince of Wales and her strike group are set to play a key role in international security efforts.
A senior naval source told the Conservative and Reformer Post: “This is not just about showcasing British strength. It’s about reinforcing our alliances and making it clear that the Royal Navy stands ready to defend international laws and freedoms.”
A ROYAL TRADITION OF SERVICE
King Charles’ visit to HMS Prince of Wales harks back to his own naval career. As a young Prince of Wales, he served in the Royal Navy, including commanding the minesweeper HMS Bronington in the 1970s. His late father, Prince Philip, also had a distinguished naval career, and his son, Prince William, served in the Armed Forces.
The last time a reigning monarch visited a Royal Navy warship at sea was in 1982 when Queen Elizabeth II boarded HMS Invincible before the Falklands War. King Charles’ decision to follow in her footsteps underlines the significance of this deployment and his unwavering support for the UK’s Armed Forces.
As HMS Prince of Wales readies to set sail, Britain’s naval might is once again on full display – and with the King himself sending them off, the message to the world is clear: the Royal Navy remains a formidable force on the global stage.
