The King and Queen have personally welcomed home sailors from the Royal Navy's flagship aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, following its demanding eight-month mission overseas.
A Royal Reception at St James's Palace
During a special reception held at St James's Palace on Thursday, 18 December 2025, Their Majesties spent time with crew members and their families. The event was held to recognise the ship's company's recent Indo-Pacific deployment, which saw the £3 billion warship visit 40 countries across the Mediterranean, Middle East, south-east Asia, Japan, and Australia before returning to Portsmouth last month.
Personal Interest in Crew and Family Welfare
Commander Tom Leonard described the royal recognition as "phenomenal" for everyone involved. He revealed the depth of the royal couple's interest, noting that King Charles asked detailed questions about the ship's operations, including its speed and aircraft launches.
"The King was interested in what they were doing, their favourite places to go, how fast we could go, how many jets we were getting off," Commander Leonard said. He emphasised the monarch's personal touch, particularly his concern for how sailors' families coped during the long separation and the challenges of reintegrating into home life.
Echoing this sentiment, Captain Ben Power stated the reception was a "huge privilege." He highlighted Queen Camilla's focused interest on the support systems for families left behind. "She was very keen to understand the challenges that the ship’s company faced in the Red Sea and she was very keen to understand what the ship will go on to do in 2026," Captain Power added.
Crew Members Reflect on the Honour
Sailor Joseph Mellor, 33, from Telford, said the King appeared to be in a thankful mood during their interaction. Petty Officer Nathan Wonnacott, 33, from Plymouth, who served in a medical role, said the Queen was "appreciative" and took a keen interest in the details of his deployment.
For the crew, the royal welcome marked a fitting end to a gruelling mission, with Petty Officer Wonnacott adding it was "great" to be home in time for the Christmas period.
