Liverpool, United Kingdom - December 01, 2024 HMS Prince of Wales arrived in Liverpool on December 1, stepping into her new role as the Royal Navy’s flagship for the first time in her five-year career. She takes over from her sister ship, HMS Queen Elizabeth, as part of Britain’s strategy to rotate the flagship title between its two Queen Elizabeth-class carriers. The transition comes as HMS Prince of Wales prepares for her pivotal role in the UK Carrier Strike Group 2025 mission, which will see the carrier and her task force embark on a global operation east of the Suez Canal. “This is a proud moment for HMS Prince of Wales,” said Captain Will Blackett, the carrier’s commanding officer. “We’ve been training hard and are ready to take the next step in the ship’s life.” Though no formal ceremony marked the shift, the two carriers recently crossed paths in UK waters, symbolizing their shared commitment to Royal Navy operations. HMS Queen Elizabeth’s Captain Will King offered his support, stating, “I wish HMS Prince of Wales every success taking on the title—they will do a fantastic job.” HMS Prince of Wales now stands ready to lead Britain’s maritime power on the world stage.