As HMS Prince of Wales returns to Liverpool, her affiliated city, the visit underscores the enduring connection between the Royal Navy’s flagship and a city steeped in maritime history.
For the ship’s crew and Commanding Officer, Captain Will Blackett, the significance of this relationship goes far beyond the ceremonial.
“The connection between a ship and her affiliated home city is quite difficult to describe,” Captain Blackett reflected. “It’s a really special thing. It lasts the life of the ship. So it’s not about the individuals here now. We’re just bit players in a 50-year span of history.”
Liverpool’s rich maritime legacy dates back centuries, with the city playing a pivotal role in Britain’s naval history.
Captain Blackett enthusiastically highlighted this historical significance: “Liverpool specifically has got such an unbelievably rich maritime history. Did you know that we built warships here right back as far as the 18th century? There were, I think, 38, 39 wooden warships built here for the Royal Navy, all the way back then.”
Onboard @HMSPWLS, George Allison spoke to Captain Will Blackett about the ship’s role as flagship, its connection to Liverpool, and what the sight of a British carrier means to adversaries and allies alike. #HMSPrinceOfWales #RoyalNavy pic.twitter.com/96dgUJNoYT
— UK Defence Journal (@UKDefJournal) December 3, 2024
The city’s contributions didn’t end there. Through both world wars, Liverpool served as a strategic hub, particularly for cross-Atlantic convoys during the Battle of the Atlantic. “The Western Approaches Command was here through the ’40s, through the war. All of that means the city was a target. It means the city faced the peril of war fighting, whether the people in the city were military people or not,” Captain Blackett noted.
This historical connection resonates deeply with the crew of HMS Prince of Wales, who take great pride in representing Liverpool as their affiliated city. Captain Blackett expressed his personal connection to the city’s legacy: “For me personally, I feel like I can connect with the history. Liverpool specifically has got such an unbelievably rich maritime history.”
HMS Prince of Wales’ visit to Liverpool is the first since March 2020, just before the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns began. Over the course of a seven-day stay, the ship’s 800-strong crew will engage with local schools, community projects, and civic leaders, offering the public a glimpse into life aboard the Royal Navy’s flagship.
Beyond the community engagement, the visit represents a moment of pride for both the city and the ship. Captain Blackett summed it up succinctly: “We talk about Liverpool with pride, the city talks about the ship with pride.”
Do a CES check before leaving Liverpool, just saying!