Portsmouth: The Royal Navy’s flagship, HMS Prince of Wales, docked early at Portsmouth Naval Base on Sunday, culminating an eight-month global odyssey under Operation Highmast and sparking joyous family reunions just in time for the Christmas season.
This £3 billion aircraft carrier, which traversed 40,000 nautical miles since departing in April, returned ahead of schedule due to inclement weather, delighting thousands of cheering spectators and loved ones who lined the shores with Union Jacks fluttering in the crisp winter air.
A poignant highlight unfolded as parents Vicky and Alan Mackinnon from Orkney enveloped their sons, Royal Navy sailors Callum and Alex, in heartfelt embraces after months apart; Vicky confessed her chest felt ready to burst with anticipation, while Alex described the overwhelming sight of thousands gathered as profoundly moving.
