5 Royal Ships of the Prince of Wales Fleet
The Prince of Wales fleet, also known as the Prince of Wales’ Squadron, has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. The fleet was formed in 1793 and was named after the Prince of Wales, who later became King George IV. Over the years, the fleet has had various ships under its command, each with its own unique characteristics and contributions to the British Royal Navy. Here, we’ll take a look at 5 royal ships that have been part of the Prince of Wales fleet.
1. HMS Prince of Wales (R09)
The HMS Prince of Wales (R09) is the latest addition to the Prince of Wales fleet. Commissioned in 2019, this Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier is one of the largest warships ever built for the Royal Navy. With a displacement of over 65,000 tons, the HMS Prince of Wales is a formidable force on the high seas, equipped with advanced radar systems, fighter jets, and a crew of over 1,500 personnel.
🚨 Note: The HMS Prince of Wales (R09) is still undergoing sea trials and is expected to enter full service in the near future.
2. HMS Prince of Wales (53)
The HMS Prince of Wales (53) was a King George V-class battleship that served during World War II. Launched in 1939, this battleship played a significant role in several key battles, including the Battle of Denmark Strait and the Battle of Cape Matapan. The HMS Prince of Wales was eventually sunk by Japanese aircraft in 1941, resulting in the loss of over 300 lives.
3. HMS Royal Sovereign (1786)
The HMS Royal Sovereign was a 100-gun first-rate ship of the line that served as the flagship of the Prince of Wales fleet during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Launched in 1786, this ship played a key role in the French Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic Wars, participating in several significant battles, including the Battle of the Glorious First of June.
4. HMS Britannia (1682)
The HMS Britannia was a 100-gun first-rate ship of the line that served as the flagship of the Prince of Wales fleet during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Launched in 1682, this ship played a key role in the Nine Years’ War and the War of the Spanish Succession, participating in several significant battles, including the Battle of La Hogue.
5. HMS Lion (1753)
The HMS Lion was a 64-gun third-rate ship of the line that served during the Seven Years’ War and the American Revolutionary War. Launched in 1753, this ship played a key role in several significant battles, including the Battle of Lagos and the Battle of the Chesapeake.
| Ship Name | Launch Year | Displacement | Crew |
|---|---|---|---|
| HMS Prince of Wales (R09) | 2019 | 65,000 tons | 1,500 |
| HMS Prince of Wales (53) | 1939 | 44,000 tons | 1,500 |
| HMS Royal Sovereign (1786) | 1786 | 2,600 tons | 1,000 |
| HMS Britannia (1682) | 1682 | 1,800 tons | 800 |
| HMS Lion (1753) | 1753 | 1,400 tons | 500 |
These 5 royal ships have played significant roles in the history of the Prince of Wales fleet, each with its own unique characteristics and contributions to the British Royal Navy.
As we conclude this look at the 5 royal ships of the Prince of Wales fleet, it’s clear that each ship has played a significant role in shaping the history of the British Royal Navy. From the HMS Prince of Wales (R09) to the HMS Lion (1753), each ship has its own unique story to tell, and its contributions to the Prince of Wales fleet will not be forgotten.
What is the Prince of Wales fleet?
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The Prince of Wales fleet is a squadron of the British Royal Navy that was formed in 1793 and named after the Prince of Wales, who later became King George IV.
What is the largest ship in the Prince of Wales fleet?
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The largest ship in the Prince of Wales fleet is the HMS Prince of Wales (R09), a Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier with a displacement of over 65,000 tons.
What is the oldest ship in the Prince of Wales fleet?
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The oldest ship in the Prince of Wales fleet is the HMS Britannia (1682), a 100-gun first-rate ship of the line that served during the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
