The Royal Navy has honoured Bristol’s proud maritime history by affiliating its latest and largest military ship, HMS Prince of Wales with the city.

Around 500 guests gathered on the four-acre flight deck of the aircraft carrier while she was docked in Liverpool to mark the affiliations with Bristol and Liverpool.

A Bristol suite has been created on board, providing a living room, bedroom and bathroom facilities for visiting dignitaries and VIP guests. Plans are being drawn up for the suite to be decorated in such a way that it showcases the city and its maritime history.

HMS Prince of Wales  is an enormous vessel weighing 65,000 tonnes with a crew of 714. She is 280 metres long – longer than eight Cabot Towers laid down end to end - 70 metres wide and capable of being a base for 36 fighter jets and four Merlin helicopters.

HMS Prince of Wales has recently undergone sea trials and is still at the commissioning stage before going into service. Talks on whether the Port of Bristol can accommodate the vessel as a visitor at some stage are ongoing. Once commissioned Portsmouth will be her home port.

The ship’s White Ensign is currently at Bristol Cathedral, where it was blessed last year by The Very Rev’d Dr David Hoyle, the Dean of Bristol.

Images from: www.royalnavy.mod.uk