Naming of new Aircraft Carrier

The City of Bristol is affiliated with the new aircraft carrier, HMS PRINCE OF WALES, currently in construction at Rosyth shipyard in Scotland. Over 170 military, civic, and political leaders from the UK, the USA and France attended a Dinner at the Institute of Directors in London, hosted by Admiral Sir Philip Jones KCB ADC, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff.  Pictured are Sarah Pullen (Trinity Mirror regional managing editor for Bristol, Gloucestershire, Bath, Somerset and Dorset) and James Durie (Director at Bristol Chamber and Initiative at Business West) who joined the Lord-Lieutenant and Captain Ian Groom, the first captain of HMS PRINCE OF WALES.

The keynote speaker was Secretary of State Sir Michael Fallon.  He emphasised the importance of the new aircraft carrier to Britain over the next 50 years. It will be used for diplomatic, disaster relief, hosting trade exhibitions as well as for defence reasons. HMS PRINCE OF WALES, together with her sister ship HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH, are the largest warships ever built in Britain. Her construction created and sustained 8,000 jobs at six British shipyards.  The 65,000 tonne vessel has four acres of flight deck and stands as tall as The Shard building in London.

The dinner was attended by dignitaries and business leaders from Bristol, Liverpool and London as these locations are affiliated with the ship.

On 8th September, the Lord-Lieutenant and Lord Mayor of Bristol attended the actual naming ceremony in Rosyth in the presence of TRH The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay, the titles for TRH The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall when they are in Scotland.  Both the Lord-Lieutenant, Lord Mayor, the Bristol Chamber of Commerce and Junior Chamber of Commerce were among visitors to Rosyth earlier in the year.  The City, its businesses and residents are exploring how best to establish and maintain links with HMS PRINCE OF WALES during her 50 year lifespan.  A FULL DESCRIPTION OF THE NAMING CEREMONY, WITH PHOTOGRAPHS, CAN BE FOUND UNDER THE MENU HEADING  "BRISTOL AND THE ROYAL FAMILY"  AT THE TOP OF THIS PAGE.