search

30 Facts About HMS Prince Of Wales

Leese Doherty

Written by Leese Doherty

Published: 09 Dec 2024

Expert Verified Editorial Guidelines
30-facts-about-hms-prince-of-wales
Source: Ukdefencejournal.org.uk

HMS Prince of Wales is a name steeped in history, representing the might and resilience of the Royal Navy. The latest vessel to bear this name is a Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier, commissioned in 2019. This modern marvel, based at HMNB Portsmouth, boasts impressive capabilities, including carrying up to 48 F-35B Lightning II stealth fighters. With a displacement of 80,600 tonnes and a length of 284 meters, it's one of the largest warships ever built for the Royal Navy. Despite facing challenges like flooding incidents, HMS Prince of Wales has proven its worth, participating in international exercises and serving as a NATO command ship.

Key Takeaways:

  • HMS Prince of Wales, a modern marvel of naval engineering, is the eighth ship to bear this storied name. From its historical legacy to its current role in NATO, it continues to demonstrate adaptability and resilience.
  • With a rich historical legacy and a crucial role in NATO, HMS Prince of Wales is a versatile platform for air operations. Despite facing challenges, it remains fully operational and continues to play a crucial role in naval operations.
Table of Contents
01HMS Prince of Wales: A Storied Name
02Queen Elizabeth-Class Aircraft Carrier
03A Modern Marvel
04Homeport and Motto
05Size and Speed
06Range and Crew
07Aircraft Capacity
08Operational History
09Challenges and Repairs
10International Exercises
11NATO Command Ship
12Historical Legacy
13Armament and Capabilities
14Modern Design and Role
15Construction Challenges
16Current Status
17The Legacy Continues

HMS Prince of Wales: A Storied Name

HMS Prince of Wales carries a name steeped in history and tradition. This modern marvel of naval engineering is the eighth ship to bear the name, a title traditionally granted to the heir apparent of the British monarch.

  1. Name and Namesake: The name "HMS Prince of Wales" has been used by eight Royal Navy ships, symbolizing a legacy of service and honor.

Queen Elizabeth-Class Aircraft Carrier

As a Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales is designed to operate advanced aircraft and support various military operations.

  1. Class and Type: HMS Prince of Wales (R09) is a Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier, built to handle Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) aircraft like the F-35B Lightning II.

A Modern Marvel

Commissioned in 2019, HMS Prince of Wales represents the pinnacle of modern naval engineering.

  1. Commissioning Date: The ship was formally commissioned into the Royal Navy on 10 December 2019, exactly 78 years after the sinking of its World War II-era predecessor.

  2. Builder and Launch: Construction began in 2011 at Rosyth Dockyard, and the ship was launched on 21 December 2017. She was handed over to the Royal Navy in 2019.

Homeport and Motto

Every ship needs a home, and HMS Prince of Wales is no exception. Her motto reflects a commitment to service.

  1. Homeport: Based at HMNB Portsmouth, she began sea trials in September 2019 and first arrived in November 2019.

  2. Motto: The ship’s motto is "Ich Dien," which means "I serve" in German.

Size and Speed

HMS Prince of Wales is a behemoth of the seas, boasting impressive dimensions and speed.

  1. Displacement: The ship displaces approximately 80,600 tonnes when fully loaded.

  2. Length and Beam: She measures 284 meters in length and has a beam of 78 meters.

  3. Draught: The ship has a draught of 11 meters.

  4. Speed: Capable of speeds up to 25 knots, with a tested top speed of 32 knots.

Range and Crew

With a vast range and a dedicated crew, HMS Prince of Wales is ready for extended missions.

  1. Range: She can travel approximately 10,000 nautical miles.

  2. Complement: The ship has a complement of 679 personnel, including 250 Royal Marines.

Aircraft Capacity

Designed to carry a variety of aircraft, HMS Prince of Wales is a versatile platform for air operations.

  1. Aircraft Capacity: She can carry up to 48 F-35B Lightning II stealth fighters and Merlin helicopters for various missions.

Operational History

Since her commissioning, HMS Prince of Wales has had an eventful operational history.

  1. Operational History: Began sea trials in September 2019 and arrived at HMNB Portsmouth in November 2019. Formally commissioned on 10 December 2019.

Challenges and Repairs

Like any complex machine, HMS Prince of Wales has faced challenges, including flooding incidents that required significant repairs.

  1. Flooding Incidents: Experienced minor flooding in May 2020 and significant flooding in October 2020, damaging electrical cabling.

  2. Repair and Deployment: Confined to docks for repairs from October 2020 to April 2021. Declared fully operational in October 2021.

International Exercises

HMS Prince of Wales has participated in numerous international exercises, showcasing her capabilities.

  1. International Exercises: Participated in an exercise off Scotland’s coast in October 2021, involving joint operations with HMS Queen Elizabeth.

NATO Command Ship

In 2022, HMS Prince of Wales took on a crucial role within NATO.

  1. NATO Command Ship: Became the command ship for NATO’s maritime high readiness force on 1 January 2022, supporting exercises in the Arctic, Baltic, and Mediterranean.

  2. First Exercise as Command Ship: Her first exercise in this role was Cold Response 22, a Norwegian-led exercise testing command ship operations.

Historical Legacy

The name HMS Prince of Wales carries a rich historical legacy, including the story of her World War II-era predecessor.

  1. Predecessor’s Sinking: The World War II-era HMS Prince of Wales was sunk on 10 December 1941, along with HMS Repulse, marking a pivotal moment in naval history.

  2. Deployment in World War II: Deployed as part of Force Z to deter Japan’s expansion, lacking adequate air cover due to the absence of HMS Indomitable.

  3. Japanese Attack: Sunk by Japanese torpedo bombers on 10 December 1941, with eight torpedo hits out of 49.

Armament and Capabilities

The World War II-era HMS Prince of Wales was a formidable battleship with significant firepower.

  1. Armament and Capabilities: Armed with 10 BL 14-inch Mk VII guns and 16 QF 5.25-inch Mk 1 guns, along with short-range anti-aircraft weapons.

  2. Damage in 1940: Suffered a bomb hit from a German aircraft while in drydock in 1940, leading to a quick introduction to service.

Modern Design and Role

The modern HMS Prince of Wales is designed for flexibility and plays a central role in the UK Carrier Strike Group.

  1. Design Emphasis: Emphasizes flexibility, with accommodation for 250 Royal Marines and support for attack helicopters and troop transports.

  2. Operational Role: Forms a central part of a UK Carrier Strike Group, facilitating carrier-enabled power projection.

Construction Challenges

Building such a complex ship came with its own set of challenges.

  1. Construction Challenges: Faced minor flooding incidents and significant flooding from the fire control system in October 2020, damaging electrical cabling.

  2. Repair Period: Confined to docks for almost eight months for repairs, leading to the cancellation of a planned deployment to the United States for F-35B trials.

Current Status

HMS Prince of Wales is now fully operational and continues to play a crucial role in naval operations.

  1. Current Status: Resumed sea trials in April 2021 and declared fully operational in October 2021, continuing to participate in Royal Navy and NATO exercises.

  2. Legacy: Whether in its World War II-era form or its modern incarnation, HMS Prince of Wales has been a significant vessel in Royal Navy history, demonstrating adaptability and resilience.

The Legacy Continues

HMS Prince of Wales stands as a testament to the Royal Navy's enduring strength and adaptability. From its commissioning in 2019 to its role as a NATO command ship, this Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier has proven its worth. Despite facing challenges like flooding and repairs, the ship has bounced back, participating in international exercises and supporting NATO operations. Its ability to carry up to 48 F-35B Lightning II fighters and Merlin helicopters showcases its advanced capabilities. The ship's motto, "Ich Dien," meaning "I serve," perfectly encapsulates its mission. Whether in World War II or today, HMS Prince of Wales remains a symbol of resilience and power. As it continues to play a crucial role in naval operations, this vessel upholds the legacy of its predecessors, ensuring the Royal Navy remains a formidable force on the global stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is HMS Prince of Wales?
HMS Prince of Wales is one of the Royal Navy's most impressive vessels, serving as an aircraft carrier. This massive ship plays a crucial role in national defense and represents a significant part of modern naval power.
How big is this ship?
With a length of 280 meters and a displacement of around 65,000 tonnes, HMS Prince of Wales is truly a giant on the seas. Its size allows for carrying numerous aircraft, making it a formidable force.
Can you visit HMS Prince of Wales?
Yes, at times, HMS Prince of Wales is open to the public for tours. These opportunities allow visitors to get an up-close look at naval life and the operations of a modern aircraft carrier. However, availability can vary, so checking ahead is wise.
What kind of aircraft does it carry?
This vessel is designed to carry F-35B Lightning II fighter jets and Merlin helicopters. These aircraft significantly enhance its capabilities, allowing for a wide range of operations, from air defense to humanitarian aid.
How many crew members does it have?
HMS Prince of Wales requires a crew of around 1,600 when fully operational. This number includes both naval personnel and aircrew, all working together to operate the ship and its aircraft efficiently.
What's special about HMS Prince of Wales?
Beyond its sheer size and power, HMS Prince of Wales features advanced technology and design. Its ski-jump ramp for launching aircraft and highly automated systems set it apart from older carriers, marking it as a leader in naval innovation.
Has HMS Prince of Wales been involved in any conflicts?
As a relatively new addition to the Royal Navy, HMS Prince of Wales has not seen combat. Instead, its roles have focused on exercises, training, and demonstrating the UK's commitment to global security and humanitarian efforts.
Where was HMS Prince of Wales built?
This impressive ship was constructed at Rosyth Dockyard in Scotland. Building such a vessel is a monumental task, requiring years of work and the expertise of thousands of people.

Was this page helpful?

Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.