Newest aircraft carrier welcomes first affiliates on board

The formal announcement of the first seven affiliations of Britain’s future aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, was marked by the inaugural Affiliates’ Day held in Rosyth dockyard on Wednesday 21 September.

The Senior Naval Officer of HMS Prince of Wales, Captain Ian Groom MBE, who is responsible for leading the men and women who will operate the 65,000 tonne ship said: “I am delighted to announce that HMS Prince of Wales is now formally affiliated with the Cities of Bristol and Liverpool, Greenwich Hospital, the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, the Welsh Guards, the Royal Lancers and 27^th Squadron Royal Air Force.

"These affiliations signify a major milestone in the life of the ship and mark the beginning of what will be long and fruitful relationships for the next 50 years.”

The Affiliates’ Day was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the aircraft carrier and introduce the men and women who form the Ship’s Company of HMS Prince of Wales. After a series of ‘scene setting’ presentations, the highlight of the day was undoubtedly the on board tour.

Captain Groom added: “It was an honour to welcome all of our affiliates on board HMS Prince of Wales and show off the nation’s newest aircraft carrier.  The day was a great success and a wonderful occasion to get to know our civic and military affiliates.”

Affiliations are a long standing tradition in the Royal Navy and allow special relationships to be formed between Ships and their civilian or military counterparts. 

As HMS Prince of Wales prepares to come into Service, these relationships will continue to grow and future plans will include events to raise public awareness of the Armed Forces.

HMS Prince of Wales stands proudly in Rosyth along with her sister ship HMS Queen Elizabeth and is due to be handed over to the Royal Navy in 2019.

Together these ships will be utilised by all three sectors of the UK Armed Forces, providing eight acres of sovereign territory which can be deployed around the world.