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Royal News

King Charles claims a first forty years in the making as he boards warship at sea

The King has visited the Royal Navy at sea and spoken of his ”heartfelt gratitude”.

King Charles III boarded the HMS Prince of Wales – the first time a reigning Monarch has visited a Royal Navy warship at sea.

The ship is making final preparations for a major global deployment later this spring. It will sail towards Japan on a mission aimed at deepening the UK’s defence partnerships. It will also promote security and stability.

PO Phot Rory Arnold/ UK MOD © Crown copyright 2025

His Majesty flew out to the ship to meet serving Royal Navy and Royal Air Force personnel.

The King also spoke of his thanks as he addressed the ship’s company, erfsaying ”I just wanted to express, on behalf of the nation, my heartfelt gratitude for the extraordinarily valuable contributions and personal sacrifices that you and your families continue to make in the name of duty.”

PO Phot Rory Arnold/ UK MOD © Crown copyright 2025

The visit also saw The King, who is Honorary Commodore-in-Chief Aircraft Carriers, watch F-35B aircraft conducting deck landing exercises.

It came soon after the Royal Family announced the Duchess of Edinburgh had visited troops at Warcop Training Centre in Cumbria in her role as Royal Colonel of The Queen’s Own Yeomanry.

The Duchess met reservists to find out more about their role.

About author

Lydia Starbuck is Jubilee and Associate Editor at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.