Royal Navy's biggest ever aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth unveiled by the Queen

The UK’s largest warship, which was officially named in honour of the Queen, was unveiled at the ceremony at Fife’s Rosyth Dockyard.

16:21 04 July 2014

The Royal Navy’s biggest aircraft carrier and the UK’s largest warship was unveiled by Queen Elizabeth at the ceremony at Fife’s Rosyth Dockyard. The vessel, which was officially named in her honour, is described by First Sea Lord Admiral George Zambellas as “fit for a Queen.”

 

"HMS Queen Elizabeth will be a national instrument of power and a national symbol of authority," he said in a speech.

 

"That means she will be a national icon too, all the while keeping the great in Great Britain and the royal in Royal Navy."

Addressing the audience, the Queen said: "In sponsoring this new aircraft carrier, I believe the Queen Elizabeth will be a source of inspiration and pride for us all.”

"May God bless her and all who sail in her."

About 3,500 people who were involved in the design and construction of 65,000-tonne HMS Queen Elizabeth came to watch the celebrations alongside dignitaries and politicians including Prime Minister David Cameron and former prime minister Gordon Brown.

Ian Booth, of the Aircraft Carrier Alliance, said: "The ship truly reflects the very best of British design and ingenuity and we all feel an enormous honour to see Her Majesty name her today.”