HMS Prince of Wales is to visit Liverpool this month, where it will be opened to public visitors.

The week-long visit, which begins on 28 February, will be the first time either of the Royal Navy’s two Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers have been officially open to the public.

Captain Darren Houston, the Commanding Officer of HMS Prince of Wales, said: “My ship’s company and I are hugely excited about our first visit to Liverpool.

"This is an opportunity for us to cement our bond with the city as one of the newest warships in the Royal Navy’s fleet. "We’re looking forward to hosting people from the local community on board during our time alongside, and I know we will receive the warmest of welcomes.”

Deputy Mayor of Liverpool City Council, Councillor Wendy Simon, said: “The sheer scale of the ship will be a real spectacle on the River Mersey and is set to attract national and international attention, drawing massive crowds.”

HMS Prince of Wales was officially commissioned into the fleet at the end of last year, during a ceremony attended by Prince Charles.

The ship, which cost £3.1 billion to build, first arrived into her home base of Portsmouth in November following completion of the first stage of sea trials.

Cover image: MOD.