THE QUEEN described the Rosyth-built HMS Queen Elizabeth as the “best of British” as she welcomed the £3.1 billion aircraft carrier into the Royal Navy.

Accompanied by Princess Anne, she arrived onboard the impressive 65,000 tonne vessel at a ceremony last Thursday at Portsmouth Naval Base to commission it into the fleet.

In a speech, the Queen said: “We are gathered here in Portsmouth today just a short distance from HMS Victory, a flagship of our seafaring past and a reminder of the debt we owe to the Royal Navy which for more than 500 years has protected the people of this country and our interests around the world.

“Like HMS Victory, HMS Queen Elizabeth embodies the best of British technology and innovation, a true flagship for the 21st century. The most powerful and capable ship ever to raise the White Ensign, she will in the years and decades ahead represent the country’s resolve on the global stage.”

She praised the service personnel who will crew the carrier and added: “As the daughter, wife and mother of naval officers, I recognise the unique demands our nation asks of you and I will always value my special link with HMS Queen Elizabeth, her ship’s company and their families.”

HMS Queen Elizabeth left its maiden home port of Rosyth Dockyard for the first time in June, as it set sail for sea trials, passing under the Forth Bridge.

Along with her sister ship, HMS Prince of Wales, it is the most expensive in the Royal Navy’s history, with a flight deck the size of three football pitches.

Gavin Williamson, defence secretary, said: “Today marks the start of a hugely significant chapter for the Royal Navy, and indeed the nation, as the future flagship is commissioned into Her Majesty's fleet. It is an honour to witness the crowning moment of an extraordinarily busy year for the Royal Navy that has seen us name the second carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, cut steel on the first Type 26 frigates and launch the National Shipbuilding Strategy.

"Our new aircraft carrier is the epitome of British design and dexterity, at the core of our efforts to build an Armed Forces fit for the future. For the next half a century both carriers will advance our interests around the globe, providing the most visible symbol of our intent and commitment to protect the UK from intensifying threats, wherever they may come from."