The HMS Prince of Wales — the flagship of the Royal Navy — has once again captured headlines in 2025, as she leads a major global deployment under Operation Highmast and carries the largest concentration ever of UK F-35B jets on a Royal Navy carrier deck.
In this post, we look at what makes this carrier such a significant asset — from its construction and capabilities to the latest operational developments.
HMS Prince of Wales is the second of the two Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier vessels.
The ship began sea trials in September 2019 and arrived at her home base in HMNB Portsmouth in November 2019.
The construction involved collaboration across six shipyards around the UK, with more than 200 British companies contributing components.
The project cost was significant: as part of a programme involving both carriers, the combined budget ran into billions — emphasising the scale and ambition behind the build.
HMS Prince of Wales is not just large — she’s a floating city of capability:
The carrier measures 284 meters long, with a flight deck roughly 70 meters wide.
Under a full load she displaces over 65,000 tonnes.
The standard ship’s company is around 700 personnel, but with full aviation compliment aboard — including aircraft and support staff — this rises to about 1,600 people.
In terms of air power: the carrier can embark up to 36 F-35B Lightning II jets plus Merlin helicopters.
Under surge conditions, the air-wing capacity is even greater.
Additionally, facilities on board allow for the accommodation of around 250 Royal Marines, enabling the carrier to support amphibious operations.
2025 has been a banner year for HMS Prince of Wales and her strike group.
On 22 April 2025, HMS Prince of Wales sailed from Portsmouth to begin an eight-month deployment under Operation Highmast.
The deployment spans the Mediterranean, Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific — with planned port visits to strategic partners including Japan.
The mission involves around 4,000–4,500 military personnel drawn from the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, and British Army, as well as allied ships and personnel.
The goal: project UK influence, strengthen alliances, and demonstrate that the UK remains a leading maritime power as geopolitical competition rises.
In this post, we look at what makes this carrier such a significant asset — from its construction and capabilities to the latest operational developments.
Building the Flagship: When and Where She Was Built
HMS Prince of Wales is the second of the two Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier vessels.
The ship began sea trials in September 2019 and arrived at her home base in HMNB Portsmouth in November 2019.
The construction involved collaboration across six shipyards around the UK, with more than 200 British companies contributing components.
The project cost was significant: as part of a programme involving both carriers, the combined budget ran into billions — emphasising the scale and ambition behind the build.
Size, Crew and Capabilities
HMS Prince of Wales is not just large — she’s a floating city of capability:
The carrier measures 284 meters long, with a flight deck roughly 70 meters wide.
Under a full load she displaces over 65,000 tonnes.
The standard ship’s company is around 700 personnel, but with full aviation compliment aboard — including aircraft and support staff — this rises to about 1,600 people.
In terms of air power: the carrier can embark up to 36 F-35B Lightning II jets plus Merlin helicopters.
Under surge conditions, the air-wing capacity is even greater.
Additionally, facilities on board allow for the accommodation of around 250 Royal Marines, enabling the carrier to support amphibious operations.
2025: Global Deployment — Operation Highmast
2025 has been a banner year for HMS Prince of Wales and her strike group.
On 22 April 2025, HMS Prince of Wales sailed from Portsmouth to begin an eight-month deployment under Operation Highmast.
The deployment spans the Mediterranean, Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific — with planned port visits to strategic partners including Japan.
The mission involves around 4,000–4,500 military personnel drawn from the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, and British Army, as well as allied ships and personnel.
The goal: project UK influence, strengthen alliances, and demonstrate that the UK remains a leading maritime power as geopolitical competition rises.
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