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What Happened To Britannia? The Fate of Queen's Beloved Yacht

After more than two years of waiting, Season 5 of The Crown has made its way to Netflix and fans have already been sinking their teeth into the series, with all 10 episodes available to watch in one go.

Episode 1 is titled ' Queen Victoria Syndrome' and sees the future of the monarchy as the world knew it in jeopardy, with British public opinion allegedly dissatisfied with the institution.

In The Crown , the Queen, played by Imelda Staunton , is blissfully unaware of the discontent as Royal staffers and family attempt to protect her from the news.

Therefore, when she asks Prime Minister John Major (Jonny Lee Miller) for her treasured yacht, the Britannia, to undergo a refurbishment, which would cost the public millions, she cannot understand Major's reluctance to put the idea to the government.

Now, Newsweek has everything you need to know about the Queen's beloved yacht, HMY Britannia.

What Happened to Britannia?

Her Majesty's Yacht Britannia, also known as the Royal Yacht Britannia, and built by Scottish shipbuilding firm John Brown & Company Ltd in Clydebank, Dunbartonshire, and was launched on April 16, 1953, by Queen Elizabeth II .

Her maiden voyage was from Portsmouth to Grand Harbour, Malta in April 1954, with Prince Charles (Dominic West) and Princess Anne (Claudia Harrison) on board.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh (Jonathan Pryce) made their first journey on Britannia to Tobruk, Libya on May 1, 1954.

In total, Britannia sailed for 43 years, ending its time at sea on December 11, 1997. In total, she is thought to have traveled more than a million nautical miles around the world's oceans.

Today, Britannia is permanently berthed at the Ocean Terminal, Leith in Edinburgh, Scotland. Members of the public are able to visit the marvelous yacht as well as the racing yacht, Bloodhound, once owned by the Queen and Prince Philip.

In The Crown Season 5, the Queen and Prince Philip are seen asking Conservative PM Major to approve a £14.745 million refurbishment.

In Episode 1, Major tells the Queen and Philip that spending public money on the yacht at the time of a global recession would not bode well with the general public and as a result, have detrimental effects on the monarchy and the government.

Nevertheless, in The Crown , the Queen demands that the government sign off on the repairs, with Major feeling pressure to agree.

• 'The Crown' Season 5: King Charles and Camilla's real "tampongate" scandal
• "The Crown" release time: When new Season 5 episodes drop on Netflix
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However, in 1994, the Conservative Government announced the yacht's official retirement, citing costs of over £17 million to only extend the yacht's life for five more years.

Then in 1997, with a general election on the horizon, the Conservative government announced they would recommission the yacht if they were re-elected. However, Labour won the election and declined to recommission the Britannia.

The Britannia's final voyage took place in July 1997 to convey the last Governor of Hong Kong, Chris Patten , and the Prince of Wales back from Hong Kong after its handover to the People's Republic of China.

At its decommissioning ceremony in Portsmouth on December 11, 1997, the Queen and was spotted shedding a tear (see below).

Britannia's Notable Moments

Britannia was designed to transform into a hospital ship in the event of a war, but this purpose was never required. Britannia was also intended for the Queen and her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh to take refuge in the event of a nuclear war.

It could host 250 guests and was manned by 21 officers from the Royal Navy and 250 Royal Yachtsmen.

Following its maiden voyage, Britannia sailed Saint Lawrence Seaway on the way to Chicago where she docked, making the Queen the first British monarch to visit the U.S. city of Chicago.

Prince Charles and his wife Princess Diana traveled on the Brittania for their honeymoon cruise in 1981, sailing around the Mediterranean and Greek Islands. Several U.S. presidents also visited the Britannia, including Gerald Ford , Ronald Reagan, and Bill Clinton .

On January 17, 1986, the ship evacuated over 1,000 refugees from the civil war in Aden, Yemen, with the yacht's drawing rooms used as a temporary dormitory.

On average, Britannia has over 300,000 visitors per year, breaking records in 2018 with 390,848 attendees.

The Crown Season 5 is streaming on Netflix now.

About the writer

Molli Mitchell is a Senior SEO TV and Film Newsweek Reporter based in London, UK. Her focus is reporting on culture and entertainment. She has covered the world of Film and TV extensively from true-crime dramas to reality TV and blockbuster movies. Molli joined Newsweek in 2021 from the Daily Express. She is a graduate of The University of Glasgow. Languages: English.

You can get in touch with Molli by emailing [email protected].

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Running a tight ship: 14 facts about the HMY Britannia

For The Queen, the tourist attraction Britannia was once a home away from home. Here are 14 facts about this unique royal residence.

1. She was the last ship in the Royal Navy in which the sailors slept in hammocks.

2. The only ship in the world whose captain, by tradition, was always an Admiral (until 1995, when a Commodore was appointed)

3. Orders were given to the ship’s company by hand signal to preserve tranquility.

4. Facilities included a garage for a Phantom Five Rolls-Royce or, occasionally, the royal Land Rover. The Rolls could only be squeezed into the garage by removing the bumpers and winching it on and off the ship was no easy task.

5. Some of the furniture was designed by Prince Albert in 1856.

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6. In order to prevent untidiness, flags, when dressed, are unfurled from and stowed in the funnel.

7. The wheel came from Edward VII’s racing yacht, also named Britannia.

8. Her Majesty’s bed linen had been bought for Queen Victoria’s bedroom on the previous royal yacht, the Victoria and Albert. It’s embossed with the personal monogram ‘HM The Queen’.

9. The Wardroom played ‘Wombat Tennis’ with a soft toy presented by a lady in waiting. It was thrown at the ceiling fan, then batted around the room.

10. Britannia is 412ft of streamlined elegance, with no rivet marks and no name on her side.

11. During the 44 years of her life, she sailed more than one million miles, the equivalent of once round the world for each year, calling at more than 600 ports in 135 countries.

12. Britannia was manned by 220 yachtsmen, 21 officers and three season officers and a Royal Marine band of 26 on royal tours.

13. She was the only vessel in the Navy to have its own 24-hour laundry. Intended to double as a hospital ship, Britannia was fitted with stabilisers and has what is considered a large laundry, although it hardly looks big in relation to the requirements of a complement of 270 officers and crew needing to be spotlessly turned out, often in sweltering temperatures.

14. The 1930s racing yacht Bloodhound, moored beside Britannia and owned by The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh from 1962 to 1969, can be hired for private day-sailing from Oban Marina around Scotland’s west coast. She is manned by an experienced crew, including former royal yachtsmen.

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Where is yacht britannia?

Where is Yacht Britannia?

The Royal Family’s Beloved Ship

Yacht Britannia is a legendary ship with a rich history, having served the British Royal Family for over 40 years. With a storied past and countless memories, many are eager to know where this magnificent vessel can be found today. In this article, we will uncover the answer to this question and take you on a journey to explore the world of Yacht Britannia.

First Direct Answer:

Yacht Britannia is currently berthed at the Port of Leith in Edinburgh, Scotland , where it serves as a museum and visitor attraction. Since 2010, the ship has been transformed into a unique interactive museum, allowing visitors to explore the luxurious living quarters, dining areas, and state rooms where the Royal Family and their guests enjoyed countless state occasions.

The Ship’s History

HMS Britannia, later renamed Yacht Britannia, was commissioned in 1953 and was designed by Frederick S. Stevens & Son to serve as the royal yacht of Queen Elizabeth II. She was originally built for the 1953 Coronation Review of the Fleet and was used by the Royal Family for official events, diplomatic receptions, and state visits.

Over the years, Yacht Britannia has hosted many distinguished guests, including world leaders, dignitaries, and celebrities. Some of her most notable achievements include:

• Hosting over 270 State Visits • Serving as a floating residence for the Royal Family during state visits and ceremonies • Providing hospitality for official functions, including royal weddings and diplomatic receptions • Supporting humanitarian efforts, such as refugee crises and disaster relief**

Exploring Yacht Britannia

Today, visitors can explore the yacht and get a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the British Royal Family. Some of the fascinating areas to visit include:

• The State Room : Witness the grandeur of the yacht’s official reception room, complete with its striking chandelier and opulent furnishings.
• The Dining Room : Step into the grand dining area where the Royal Family and their guests would enjoy formal banquets.
• The Engine Room : Delve into the heart of the ship to see the powerful diesel engines that drove Yacht Britannia’s elegant movements.
• The Crew Quarters : Experience the simple living arrangements of the crew, who would spend weeks or even months at sea.

Tables and Charts: A Closer Look

Yacht Britannia’s journey is a testament to the dedication and service of the British Royal Family and her crew. From state visits to luxurious living quarters, this majestic vessel has played a significant role in British history and diplomacy. Today, visitors from around the world can experience the splendor and nostalgia of Yacht Britannia as a museum and visitor attraction in the Port of Leith, Edinburgh . Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a royal watcher, or simply someone fascinated by the grandeur of this legendary ship, a visit to Yacht Britannia is a must.

Additional Information:

• Yacht Britannia is open to the public and offers guided tours and interactive experiences.
• Visitors can also explore the surrounding waterfront area, featuring cafes, restaurants, and shops.
• Yacht Britannia is wheelchair accessible, with amenities for visitors with disabilities.

For those interested in learning more about Yacht Britannia or planning a visit, be sure to check the official website or contact the Royal Yacht Britannia office.

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Inside The Queen’s Yacht, HMY BRITANNIA

September 21,2022

Take a dive into the world of the royals, and read all about Queen Elizabeth II's yacht, the HMY BRITANNIA.

Here at SuperYachtsMonaco, we were deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary Queen Elizabeth II. To honour her memory, we would like to talk about her yacht, the HMY BRITANNIA, that served Her Majesty for an incredible 44 years; from 1953 to 1997.  

The HMY BRITANNIA is an impressive 126m in length, and was built in Scotland by the highly respected John Brown and Company. Her interiors represent the epitome of luxury and class, reserved only for the royals. Her engine had 1200 horsepower, and boasted a speed of 21 knots, which is incredibly impressive for a yacht that size! She has also sailed an immense million nautical miles in her time, taking the royal family to 135 countries. 

The HMY BRITANNIA has a beautiful stately interior of warm woods, soft fabric upholstery and elegant lighting, creating a very luxurious and authentic atmosphere. BRITANNIA was the only Royal residence for which both HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH The Prince Philip had final say in its design. The Queen wanted the interior to reflect an English countryside home, and she insisted on having a fireplace installed in the living room, in order to enhance the ambience. 

There are a mind-blowing 1837 staterooms on board, to house the 4406 guests that the yacht has capacity for. Out of these there are only a select few that are reserved for the royal family, and these are called the Royal Residences. These rooms are equipped with plush white carpets, lavish bed spreads, and ambient lighting. Interestingly, everyone on this yacht has a separate room, even the late Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II themselves. In fact, the only double bed on board was acquired for King Charles III and his late first wife Diana Spencer, for the couple honeymooned on the HMY BRITANNIA. Furthermore, it is the responsibility of the Sovereign to determine when everyone could retire to sleep – only once they have chosen it is time to go to bed, can anyone actually sleep!

The gorgeous dining room boasts an impressive 32-seat mahogany table, for guests and royals to enjoy meal times. As for the meal times of the crew, HMY BRITANNIA is actually kitted out with multiple pubs on board! These pubs would serve food, and would have beer on tap, simulating a real English pub so that the crew members would feel at home on board, and have a space to relax and just hang out together.

The Sun Lounge was Her Majesty The Queen’s favourite room onboard, where she would enjoy breakfast and afternoon tea.

The yacht can currently be found in Scotland, at the Port of Leith in Edinbourgh, where she is available for public viewings and tours. 

HMY BRITANNIA a was the first Royal Yacht to be built with complete ocean-going capacity and designed as a Royal residence to entertain guests around the world. When she was decommissioned in 1997, it marked the end of a long tradition of British Royal Yachts, dating back to 1660 and the reign of Charles II. 

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New national flagship replacing the Royal Yacht Britannia 'to be funded through the Ministry of Defence', says Number 10

The new flagship will replace the Royal Yacht Britannia which was retired in 1997 after 44 years of service.

Political reporter @itssophiemorris

Monday 21 June 2021 17:04, UK

A new national yacht, which is reportedly set to cost £200m, will be paid for out of the Ministry of Defence's budget, Downing Street has confirmed.

The national flagship, the successor to the Royal Yacht Britannia, will sail the globe hosting trade talks.

The prime minister's official spokesperson said Boris Johnson hopes it will be built in the UK, but that international rules on procurement will be followed.

Mr Johnson announced the commissioning of the new flagship earlier this year , saying it would be used to promote British interests around the world as the UK seeks to build trade links post-Brexit.

The vessel will be part of and crewed by the Royal Navy, the PM said.

"Every aspect of the ship, from its build to the businesses it showcases on board, will represent and promote the best of British - a clear and powerful symbol of our commitment to be an active player on the world stage," he added.

Labour has previously called on the government to set out how the yacht will boost trade and jobs in the UK and to "focus on value for money" with regards to the project.

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Conservative Jake Berry, who is chairman of the Northern Research Group of MPs, has campaigned for the vessel to be built by Cammell Laird on Merseyside.

And at a lobby briefing on Monday, the PM's official spokesperson confirmed the new flagship will be "funded through the Ministry of Defence".

"This new national flagship will boost British trade and drive investment into the economy," he said.

"The procurement process, which is being done through the MoD, will reflect its wide-ranging use and so it will be funded through the MoD, as set out previously."

The PM's official spokesperson declined to comment on where the MoD would find the reported £200m required for the project out of its budget, but did confirm the new vessel will not be a warship.

"We will set out the exact detail in due course but this is a trade ship, it is not a military vessel," he said.

The Royal Yacht Britannia was launched by The Queen in 1953 and was retired in 1997 after completing 44 years of service.

The new national flagship is expected to be in service for around 30 years.

The yacht's name is yet to be announced, but reports have suggested it will pay homage to the Duke of Edinburgh who was Lord High Admiral from 2011 until his death earlier this year, and served in the Royal Navy during the Second World War.

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ROYAL YACHT BRITANNIA: The Official History Hardcover – August 19, 2003

• Print length 256 pages
• Language English
• Publisher Conway Maritime
• Publication date August 19, 2003
• Dimensions 8.75 x 1 x 11.5 inches
• ISBN-10 0851779379
• ISBN-13 978-0851779379
• See all details

Product details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Conway Maritime; First Edition (August 19, 2003)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0851779379
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0851779379
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3.7 pounds
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.75 x 1 x 11.5 inches
• #1,572 in Ship History (Books)
• #5,447 in Naval Military History

About the author

Richard johnstone-bryden.

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HM Yacht Britannia (Minic Ships 721)

A 1:1200 first-issue model of Her Majesty's Yacht HMY Britannia , part of the Tri-Ang Minic range produced between 1959 and 1964.

The model has a white and black body and yellow funnel.

Triang Catalogue Number: M721

This model along with HMS Alamein and HMS Jutland make up the HMY Britannia Boxed set , catalogue number: M894 .

The original ship

The Royal Yacht Britannia was built as replacement for the obsolete Victoria and Albert , with the order placed in February 1952 with John Brown & Co Ltd. The Clydebank yard won this contract largely because of its experience in building the prestigious Cunard "Queens", and the RMS Caronia .

Britannia was designed to be a dual function vessel – as a Royal Yacht in peacetime and as a hospital ship in times of hostility. Triang Minic also made a model of the Britannia in its wartime paintwork which can be found on the wiki here

The ship was launched in 1953, commissioned in 1954, and decommissioned in 1997, and is now permanently docked in Edinburgh.

External links

• HMY Britannia on the Triang Minic Website
• HMY Britannia (royalyachtbritannia.co.uk)
• Tri-ang Minic Ships (display)
• Later Twentieth Century
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