Navy News
Direct from the front-line, the official newspaper of the Royal Navy, Navy News, brings you the latest news, features and award winning photos every month.
Sailors from HMS Prince of Wales march in Liverpool to mark ties to the city
6 December 2024
Sailors from the nation’s flagship HMS Prince of Wales marched through Liverpool city centre today to celebrate the aircraft carrier’s ties to Merseyside.
Led by the 60-strong Band of HM Royal Marines Scotland, in all, nearly 800 Royal Navy personnel marched in a short square route around the historic heart of the city, filing past Liverpool Town Hall where Lord Mayor Councillor Richard Kemp and the carrier’s Commanding Officer Captain Will Blackett took the salute before returning to the ship for an official reception.
The rain held off during hour-long parade, for which a crowd of around 5,000 gathered, followed a service in Liverpool’s Parish Church, during which the ship received the highest civic honour – Freedom of the City.
Due to the size of St Nicholas’ Church, only around 200 sailors were able to take part in the formal act – represented by an ornate scroll, too large to parade, so a ceremonial casket took its place when the march began.
In a city where there are reminders of or links with the Beatles at almost every turn, the parade turned the ship’s company into “celebs for the day” in the words of their proud Commanding Officer.
“Most of what we do is over the horizon, not in the public eye, so this is a rare moment in our jobs to show the public exactly what we can do,” Captain Blackett said.
“For my ship’s company this is also a reward for 11 months of really hard work and richly deserved.”
He added: “Liverpool’s relationship with the Royal Navy is deep rooted and it is an absolute privilege for us all to be part of the next chapter.
“Liverpool has been an incredible host. We have never felt so welcome.
“We will proudly take the history, culture and spirit of Liverpool with us to the furthest corners of the globe. The Prince of Wales is your ship.”
Every member of the ship’s company received a Liver bird pin badge which they fixed to their working rig during the visit – a gift from the Lord Mayor, who told sailors they were honorary Scousers, and City Council in recognition of their efforts promoting and upholding the Liverpool name.
Lieutenant Andrew ‘Dickie’ Davidson has used the opportunity to visit family and enjoy Mersey hospitality.
He said: “The reception has been exceptional from the moment we got here and the people have been incredibly warm – so keen to see us.”
His observations were underscored by Capt Blackett. “Liverpool is the friendliest place we have been to in a long time.”
The ship was due to be open to the public tomorrow (Saturday December 7) but, due to an Amber Weather Warning for strong winds, this has had to be cancelled.
“We are not going to be able to get you on board tomorrow,” said Capt Blackett. “It’s unsafe and we’re going to have cancel ship open to visitors on Saturday.
“The weather does improve on Saturday night and we are still planning to open the ship on Sunday. So, for those of you who have tickets on Sunday, we’ll look forward to seeing you on board.
“Otherwise, I am really sorry but as we’ve all said, we do not have control of the weather.”