As HMS Queen Elizabeth is commissioned by Her Majesty the Queen at its home base of Portsmouth, the Royal Navy draws to a close their Royal Guard Duties at Buckingham Palace, St James's Palace, Windsor Castle and the Tower of London.
Simultaneous Royal Guards were mounted at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle for the final time on Wednesday 6 December, to coincide with the commissioning of the Royal Navy’s biggest ever Warship.
Her Majesty The Queen will commission HMS Queen Elizabeth today (Thursday 07 December) at an historic ceremony which brings the nation's new Flagship into the Fleet.
The Sailors taking part in the Royal Navy's first ever public duties have felt a huge honour and privilege to have been chosen, in particular Lieutenant Commander Nicola Cripps, Captain of the Windsor Royal Guard.
Lt Cdr Cripps said, “Conducting public duties has been an incredibly rewarding experience, drawing on the teamwork, adaptability and sense of duty of the team has underpinned the success and enjoyment for all involved.
“I could not be prouder to have been involved in this historic first for the Royal Navy, topped only by the warmth of the reception and support we have received from the public.”
Equally honoured was Lieutenant Commander Steve Elliot, Captain of the Queen’s Guard and Officer Commander the Royal Navy's Royal Guard.
He said, “I’m proud to have led the Royal Navy detachment for public duties. The team have delivered to a high standard and I hope that we will have the opportunity to stand guard over the London Palaces again in the near future.
“When placed together with the formal naming of Her Majesty's Ship Queen Elizabeth we have shown that the modern Navy is fit to fight in the future and also able to contribute to tasks outside of our normal remit.
“This experience has been a fantastic way to end the Year of the Navy and I’m glad I was able to play my part.”
