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The Royal Yacht Britannia

Experience Tripadvisor's Best UK Attraction 2023. Follow in the footsteps of Royalty and explore this floating Royal residence with a fascinating audio tour of five decks (available in over 30 languages).

Tripadvisor's Best UK Visitor Attraction (AGAIN) 2023-2024, Best UK Attraction (Which magazine readers) and Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Best of the Best award winner 

Visit this award-winning attraction, just two miles from Edinburgh's city centre at Ocean Terminal.  The Royal Yacht Britannia played host to some of the world’s most famous people, from Nelson Mendela to Winston Churchill, but above all was home for the British Royal Family for over 40 years. Now you can discover the heart and soul of this most special of Royal residences.

You'll receive a truly warm welcome at Britannia's Visitor Centre before you board this famous ship where you will discover the history of Royal Yachts and view displays and historical photographs of Britannia's fascinating past before boarding Queen Elizabeth II's former floating palace.

What will you see?

• Tour Britannia’s five decks
• Feel like the captain of the ship in the Bridge
• Follow in the footsteps of Royalty through the State Apartments
• See Queen Elizabeth II's favourite room- the Sun Lounge
• Discover below decks in the Crew’s Quarters
• Admire a tour highlight, the gleaming Engine Room
• Take in the Royal Sailing Exhibition
• Enjoy soups, sandwiches, cakes and scones in the Royal Deck Tearoom and admire the stunning waterfront views.

The tour is available in:

• Audio handset tour, available in over 30 languages
• Children’s audio tour
• Audio tour for those with sight loss
• ASL and BSL tablet
• Braille script ​​​​​​ ​​​​​

Complete the Britannia experience with a visit to the  Gift Shop in Ocean Terminal, where you’ll find exclusive Britannia souvenirs, china, toys, gifts and nautical items.

Berthed just moments away, Britannia's sister ship, floating hotel Fingal, offers 22 luxurious cabins inspired by the former Northern Lighthouse Board tender's rich maritime heritage. For further information, visit Fingal's website .

HELPFUL INFORMATION:

-  All weather experience -  Highly accessible for wheelchair users, single buggies and those with limited mobility. Read our accessibility statement here . -  Free Annual Pass for 12 months admission included -  The entrance to Britannia is temporarily on the Ground Floor of Ocean Terminal shopping centre.

How to get here?

By tram: Take the tram to stop 'Ocean Terminal' (Newhaven direction).

By bus:  Regal Tour Bus and Lothian Buses 10, 16, 34 and 35 run from the city centre towards Ocean Terminal. Regal Tour buses depart regularly from Waterloo Place / St Andrew Square in the centre of Edinburgh. The Majestic Tour is operated by Edinburgh Bus Tours .

By train:  Arrive in the city centre at Edinburgh Waverley Train Station, just 2 miles from Britannia. 

By car: Follow signs to Edinburgh and Leith or North Edinburgh. Then follow brown tourist signs for Britannia. Free car parking at Ocean Terminal (level C is nearest). For satnav our postcode is EH6 6JJ. Go inside the shopping centre for Britannia’s entrance and the start of the tour. By plane: Britannia is approximately 40 minutes’ drive from Edinburgh Airport.

For further information on finding Britannia, please see here .  

OPENING TIMES

Please check the Britannia website for full opening times and prices. EVENING EVENTS Exclusive dinners and receptions can be hosted on board. Call our events team on +44 (0) 131 555 8800 and see how we can create your event of a lifetime, or visit the events section of our website .

PRIVATE TOURS A private tour on board The Royal Yacht Britannia is an exclusive experience, giving you access to Britannia’s five decks, and a unique insight into the history of the Royal Yacht and how the Royal Family and crew lived and worked on board. Both Morning and Evening tours are available. Call our events team on +44 (0) 131 555 8800 or for more information visit click here . PRESERVING BRITANNIA Britannia is cared for by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust , a self-funding charity registered in Scotland (SC028070). By visiting Britannia you will be helping us to preserve this important piece of history for future generations.

www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk See our reviews on Tripadvisor Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Pinterest Follow us on Instagram

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Transport and Parking

• On Public Transport Route
• Public Parking Nearby

Accessibility

• Hearing Loop
• Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
• Lift or stairlift
• Large print, braille or audio
• Level Access
• Wheelchair access throughout
• Accessible toilets
• Wheelchairs or mobility aids provided
• Suitable for visitors with limited mobility

Dietary Options

• Gluten Free

Typical Prices

• Baby Changing Facilities
• Public Toilet Facilities
• Lunch Available
• Licensed Bar
• Cafe or Restaurant

Payment Methods

• American Express
• Diners Card
• Credit Card
• Coastal Location
• Sea/Loch View

Awards & Schemes

Related items of interest

• Sailing on Royal Racing Yacht Bloodhound

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The Royal Yacht Britannia Has a Fascinating History—Here's Everything You Should Know

It doesn't get more majestic than Queen Elizabeth II's yacht.

“Britannia is special for a number of reasons,” Prince Phillip once said. “Almost every previous sovereign has been responsible for building a church, a castle, a palace or just a house. The only comparable structure in the present reign is Britannia. As such she is a splendid example of contemporary British design and technology.”

Although she retired from service in 1997, today the Britannia, one of many of the world's grandest yachts , is docked in Edinburgh, where she is open as a visitors’ attraction and host of private events. Below we give you all the Royal Yacht Britannia facts you might want to know, from who owns the yacht now to why she was decommissioned to how fast she is to how to get tickets to visit. Britannia was, after all, the one place the queen said she could “truly relax,” so why not see why for yourself?

Royal Yacht Britania Facts and History

On February 4, 1952, John Brown & Co shipyard in Clydebank, Scotland, received the order from the Admiralty to build a new Royal Yacht to travel the globe and double as a hospital ship in times of war, according to the royal yacht's website . King George VI passed away two days after, sadly, and so on April 16, 1953, the newly crowned Queen Elizabeth II announced the yacht’s new name as the ship was revealed.

"I name this ship Britannia,” she said. “I wish success to her and all who sail in her." Britannia was commissioned into the Royal Navy in January 1954 and by April of that year sailed into her first overseas port: Grand Harbour, Malta.

The queen and The Duke of Edinburgh worked with interior designer Sir Hugh Casson for the ship to serve as both a functional Royal Navy vessel and an elegant royal residence. Queen Elizabeth II selected deep blue for Britannia’s hull, instead of the more traditional black. Its Naval crew included 220 Yachtsmen, 20 officers, and three season officers—plus a Royal Marines Band of 26 men during Royal Tours.

All of them might have had to change uniform up to six times a day, so the laundry service on board worked nonstop. The yacht also engaged in British overseas trade missions known as Sea Days and made an estimated £3 billion for the Exchequer between 1991 and 1995 alone.

The ship’s wheel was taken from King Edward VII’s racing yacht, also named Britannia, according to Boat International , and the 126-meter ship could reach speeds of 22.75 knots, or a seagoing cruising speed of 21 knots, according to Super Yacht Times . Other fun facts: The yacht could produce her own fresh water from sea water, and shouting was forbidden aboard to preserve tranquility, favoring hand signals for Naval orders instead.

Over the next 44 years, the Britannia would sail the equivalent of once around the world for each year, in total visiting 600 ports in 135 countries. Princess Margaret and Anthony Armstrong-Jones were the first of four couples to honeymoon on the ship in 1960, gifting them all privacy to sail to secluded locations. Prince Charles and Princess Diana followed in 1981 on the Mediterranean as well as Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips before them in 1973 in the Caribbean and Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson in 1986 in the Azores.

For family vacations aboard the ship, games, treasure hunts, plays, and picnics were organized, and on warm days the children could play in an inflatable paddling pool on the Verandah Deck.

In the Sun Lounge, the queen especially enjoyed taking breakfast and afternoon tea with views through large picture windows, a space you can see replicated in the TV show The Crown. Although no filming took place on board the Britannia for the show, researchers ensured scenes aboard it were accurate. In the queen’s bedroom, the resemblance is seen down to the decorative wall light fittings and embroidered silk panel above her bed that had been specially commissioned.

In 1997, the ship was decommissioned after the government decided the costs to refit it would be too great. On its final day in her service that followed a farewell tour around the U.K., the queen openly wept as the Band of HM Royal Marines played "Highland Cathedral."

"Looking back over 44 years we can all reflect with pride and gratitude upon this great ship which has served the country, the Royal Navy and my family with such distinction," Queen Elizabeth II said. All clocks on the ship stopped at 15:01, the exact time the Queen disembarked from the yacht for the final time, and they would remain at that time until the present.

How to Tour the Royal Yacht Britania

Today the yacht is owned by Royal Yacht Britannia Trus t, and all revenue it generates goes to the yacht’s maintenance and preservation. Ticketed entry allows you to step into state rooms like the Sun Lounge, the State Dining Room and State Drawing Room, in addition to the working side of the ship in the Crew’s Quarters, Laundry and gleaming Engine Room. Along the way you will see original artifacts from the shop—95 percent of which is on loan from The Royal Collection.

How to Visit the Royal Britania

You can visit the Britannia any day of the year on Edinburgh’s waterfront. Hours vary by season, and you can find them listed and purchase tickets on the yacht’s website . Private tours are also available, and you can visit the Royal Deck Tearoom, where the Royal Family hosted cocktail parties and receptions, for drinks, meals and scones. Additionally, the Britannia hosts special ticketed events for New Year’s and other occasions, and event spaces can be booked as well.

While you are in Edinburgh, you can also stay on the Fingal , a neighboring yacht-turned-floating-hotel, which is a seven-minute walk from the Britannia, and dine at its Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar, which serves breakfast, afternoon tea, dinner, and cocktails.

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The Royal Yacht Britannia Visitor Guide

The Royal Yacht Britannia is the former royal yacht of HM Queen Elizabeth II and is located at the Ocean Terminal shopping centre in Edinburgh . The yacht is one of Scotland’s premier tourist attractions, and visitors can explore it on a self-guided tour that takes them through the main dining hall, the royal family’s private quarters, and the engine room.

The Royal Yacht Britannia first launched in 1953 was the official seafaring vessel of Queen Elizabeth II and the British royal family for over four decades. Used for state visits, royal vacations, and diplomatic trips, the vessel is now a popular tourist attraction moored in Edinburgh where it offers a fascinating glimpse into royal life.

Throughout its working life, the Royal Yacht Britannia was the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II during her overseas tours, sailing over one million miles around the world while promoting British interests abroad.

The vessel is now kept in immaculate condition by the Royal Yacht Britannia Trust and is open year-round for visitors to follow in the footsteps of world leaders as they explore the royal’s private quarters and the below-deck rooms. Self-guided audio tours will take you to every nook and cranny of this enormous ship while information panels explain what life would have been like on board the vessel in its heyday.

There’s also an excellent restaurant onboard on the upper deck as well as a gift shop in the visitor centre, and as Britannia is moored alongside Ocean Terminal you can easily visit the restaurants, shops, and cinema that the waterfront shopping complex has to offer.

The Highlights

1: The Royal Yacht Britannia served as the floating residence of the British Royal Family for over 40 years. Exploring this iconic vessel gives you a unique opportunity to delve into the fascinating maritime history of the Royal Family and discover the stories behind their voyages and state visits.

2: The Royal Yacht Britannia has been meticulously preserved since its decommissioning in 1997. As you explore the ship, you’ll be able to view the opulent interiors which include the State Apartments, the Royal Bedrooms, and the impressive Royal Deck Tea Room.

3: The Royal Yacht Britannia is located in the historic port of Leith, just a short distance from Edinburgh’s city centre. The yacht is docked permanently, allowing visitors to soak in the waterfront views while they explore the vessel. After your visit, you can take a walk to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Leith with its charming shops and restaurants.

Visiting Tips

1: Although the tickets are a wee bit pricey there’s a lot to see so you’ll spend a good 2-3 hours on Britannia. While the tickets are expensive if you only make one visit, they allow unlimited re-entry for one year, so keep hold of them in case you decide to return another day.

2: Ocean Terminal is a nice shopping centre with a cinema and several cafes and restaurants. You could easily stretch your Britannia visit to last most of the day if you use those facilities.

3: If you want to explore the city centre after a visit to Britannia take Lothian Bus services 11, 22, 34, 35 and 36. Highlights of Edinburgh include Edinburgh Castle (obviously), Calton Hill , The Scott Monument , Holyrood Park and Holyrood Palace .

Tourist Information

The ship is entered via the visitor centre in Ocean Terminal which is situated on the top floor of the shopping mall. As you walk around Britannia’s five main decks on a self-guided tour you can listen to an audio guide that explains what life was like on board not only for the royal inhabitants but also for the Royal Navy crew that manned it during its voyages.

Starting at the bridge you pass through the state apartments, the crew quarters, and the engine room before finally reaching the racing yacht Bloodhound which is part of an interesting royal sailing exhibition.

There are many highlights of this ship that all family members will enjoy – including the huge state banquet room with its massive dining table and the gleaming Rolls Royce Phantom that used to travel on the ship along with the Royal Family.

If you fancy a wee treat you can pick up some delicious homemade fudge in the NAAFI sweet shop. but make sure you leave enough room for the Royal Deck Tea Room where you can sample top-notch Scottish cuisine as well as coffee and sandwiches. The entry ticket includes free re-admittance for one year so if you ever go back to Ocean Terminal you could always take another visit just for the restaurant.

Britannia was built at the Clydebank shipyards near Glasgow and successfully launched in 1953, with its maiden voyage to Malta beginning in 1954. During its time at sea, Britannia was manned by volunteers from the Royal Navy, some of whom liked it so much they served onboard for over 20 years.

Whenever royalty was on the vessel a full troop of Royal Marines accompanied them, and during this time they would have sailed around the globe several times as the royal family undertook their ambassadorial duties in almost every nation on earth. Britannia also performed services as an aid ship, evacuating over 1,000 refugees from the civil war in Aden in 1986, and was ready to be converted into a hospital ship at a moment’s notice.

Britannia was eventually decommissioned in 1997 after mounting political pressure regarding the cost of maintenance made its continued use impossible. The ship was finally tied up at Ocean Terminal where The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust was set up to look after it. Today, more than 300,000 people visit the Royal Yacht Britannia each year, making it one of the top five tourist attractions in Scotland.

Things to Do

Check out the Britannia Visitor Centre : Start your visit at the Britannia Visitor Centre located in Ocean Terminal. There, you can discover Britannia’s fascinating history through exhibits and photographs before you step aboard the yacht itself.

Explore the Royal Yacht Britannia : Step aboard the British monarch’s former floating palace and explore the state apartments, crew’s quarters, and engine room. This magnificent ship offers a unique glimpse into royal life at sea thanks to audio guides which are included in the ticket price.

Tea at The Royal Deck Tea Room : After your tour, unwind at the Royal Deck Tea Room. Enjoy traditional teas, delicious cakes, sandwiches, and spectacular views of the docks and the Firth of Forth . It’s a great way to reflect on your visit to Britannia before deciding where to go next.

Attend a Special Event : The Royal Yacht Britannia hosts a variety of events throughout the year, from Hogmanay celebrations to Burn’s Night suppers . To see which events are coming up next, head to the official Royal Yacht Britannia website .

Visit The Gift Shop : You cannot miss Britannia’s gift shop in Ocean Terminal which offers a wide range of exclusive gifts and souvenirs. From royal memorabilia to nautical-themed toys, you’re bound to find the perfect memento for your visit.

Things to Do Nearby

Ocean Terminal . 74 Ocean Dr., Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6JJ. 2-minute walk. A large shopping centre that’s one of the first arrival points for ships sailing into the Firth of Forth. Ocean Terminal contains a collection of restaurants, coffee shops, and department stores.

Leith . 8-minute walk. A vibrant and historic area of Edinburgh that is renowned for its trendy bars and restaurants. Leith is architecturally significant for the number of restored Victorian warehouses that line Commercial Street and Bernard Street. Some of Scotland’s best restaurants are located in Leith, including The Kitchin and Wishart.

The Water of Leith . Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6HE. 11-minute walk. A walkway that runs for 12 miles from the Colzium Hills outside of Edinburgh to Leith. The majority of the path is set on quiet pavement that runs alongside the river. Much loved by locals for its wildlife.

Leith Links . 4 Links Gardens, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 8AA. 18-minute walk. Informal gardens and a play park that was historically a golf course but has been revamped into a recreation area.

Scotch Malt Whisky Society . The Vaults, 87 Giles St, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6BZ. 13-minute walk. The Vaults is the main site for the SMWS in Edinburgh. Visitors can sample a range of quality single malt whiskies as well as gins and rums, along with optional expert-led tasting sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the royal yacht britannia berthed.

The Royal Yacht Britannia is berthed at Leith Port in Edinburgh, next to the Ocean Terminal shopping centre. Ocean Terminal is a 15-minute drive from Edinburgh city centre, and the Royal Yacht Britannia Visitor Centre is on the second floor. Address: Ocean Terminal, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6JJ.

Does the royal family still have a yacht?

No, the British Royal Family does not currently have a yacht. The last royal yacht was the HMY Britannia, which was decommissioned in 1997 and is now a museum ship in Edinburgh.

Who owns Royal Yacht Britannia?

The Royal Yacht Britannia is owned and managed by the Royal Yacht Britannia Trust.

Why did they decommission the Royal Yacht Britannia?

The Royal Yacht Britannia was decommissioned in 1997 due to maintenance costs and changing politics which meant the yacht was considered unnecessary. It was estimated in 1996 that a refit would cost £17 million and would only prolong the ship’s life for an additional 5 years.

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Craig Neil is the author, photographer, admin, and pretty much everything else behind Out About Scotland. He lives near Edinburgh and spends his free time exploring Scotland and writing about his experiences. Follow him on Pinterest , Facebook , and YouTube .

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Royal Yacht Britannia

The Queen and the Royal Family’s vessel for over 44 years , the Royal Yacht Britannia has become one of the most famous yachts in the world.

A long life

Britannia was launched in Scotland in 1953 and, since then, has served the Royal Family on 968 official voyages , travelling over one million miles, stopping at 600 ports and in over 135 countries .

The Queen felt at home when she travelled on the vessel and the photos of her children and grandchildren still hang on the walls of the Britannia , as well as various personal items and gifts that were given to the family on their travels around the world.

Throughout its 44 years of service, Britannia has been a residence for official receptions, banquets, and State visits . For these events, 45 members of the royal household would climb on board with 5 tons of luggage.

In 1997, after over 40 years of service, the vessel was decommissioned and is now berthed at Leith Port where curious visitors can explore the majestic Britannia.

The visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia begins in the Visitor Centre found on the second floor of the Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre . In this centre, you’ll be able to discover the vessel’s past through numerous photographs.

Before visiting the Royal Yacht, you'll be given an English audio guide with all the details of the vessel.

Beginning with a visit to Britannia’s Bridge , visitors will also explore the State Apartments , the Crew’s Quarters, and finish at the Engine Room .

Although the Queen’s chambers are very plainly decorated, other parts of the vessel are extremely lavish, like the Rolls Royce that sits permanently in the vessel’s garage.   

A ship like no other

Even if you're not passionate about boats, wandering through the Royal Yacht Britannia’s rooms will satisfy any inquiries about the Queen and the Royal Family you might have . Information such as who slept in what room, how many people worked on board, what visitors were invited to visit the Britannia and the countries it has visited, make for an entertaining tour.

Ocean Terminal.

From January to March: Open daily: 10 am – 5 pm From April to October: Open daily: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm November and December: Open daily: 10 am – 5 pm

Adults: £ 18 ( US$ 23.50) Students: £ 16 ( US$ 20.90) Children (aged 5 – 17): £ 9 ( US$ 11.80) Children under 5: free entry

Buses: Ocean Terminal , 11, 22 or 35.

Nearby places

Royal Botanic Garden (2.7 km) Calton Hill (3 km) Scottish National Portrait Gallery (3.1 km) Palace of Holyroodhouse (3.2 km) Scottish Parliament (3.3 km)

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The Royal Yacht Britannia: history and visitor information

The Royal Yacht Britannia, once a grand symbol of the British Royal Family, is now permanently docked in Leith the port of Edinburgh .

©Mark Millar, Royal Yacht Britannia

Today visitors to Scotland’s capital city can explore the magnificent ship that served as a floating palace for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and her family for over four decades.

The Role of the Royal Yacht Britannia in the British Royal Family

The yacht provided a sanctuary for the royal family offering them a respite from the demands of public life.

It allowed them to escape the prying eyes of the media and enjoy moments of relaxation and privacy.

As they travelled the world it was, said the queen, the one place she could truly relax.

Today the world’s most famous yacht is an Edinburgh five-star visitor attraction and exclusive events venue.

the Royal Yacht Britannia history

Plans to build a new yacht to replace the ageing Victoria and Albert III had first been considered in 1938 during the reign of King George VI but in austere pre-war Britain, it didn’t seem appropriate.

However in 1951, with the king’s health failing, the government decided to push ahead with their plans for a new ship. Sadly King George died before the work was completed.

construction and design of the Royal Yacht Britannia

Like two of the other great ocean-going passenger liners, the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth II, the royal yacht’s life began on the River Clyde. 

It was built in John Brown’s shipyard in Clydebank near Glasgow and launched on 16 April 1953.

Following sea trials, the ship was commissioned into the Royal Navy the following year.

It was the latest in a long line of royal yachts that stretched back to the seventeenth century when the Dutch gave the world’s first royal yacht Mary to Charles II as a gift.

Original designs of the ship had specified a dual role – a hospital ship to be used in times of conflict and a royal yacht. She was never used in the former capacity.

However, in 1986, during a voyage to Australia, without the Queen aboard, the ship diverted to Aden to help in the evacuation of those trapped on the beaches by an ongoing war in the region.

Over 1,000 terrified people were rescued and crammed into every available space.

Both the Queen and Prince Philip took a keen interest in the design of the vessel, working with Sir Hugh Casson on plans for the interior decorations.

The young couple selected fabrics, furniture and paintings, many of them taken from the Victoria and Albert III in an effort to keep costs under control.

The state apartments aft of the funnel were not extravagantly decorated.  Instead, they have a traditional ‘country house’ feel.

This is particularly noticable in the drawing room where chintz-covered armchairs and sofas sit on a plain silver-grey carpet overlaid by a magnificent Persian rug. 

A baby grand piano stood in the corner often providing after-dinner entertainment. Princesses Diana, Margaret and Alexandra were all known to enjoy playing. 

Famous guests aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia

Writer Brian Hoey reminds us of the night Sir Noel Coward came to dinner during a Caribbean cruise. 

“He literally sang for his supper, playing many of his own compositions into the wee small hours. Even on the royal yacht, there was no such thing as a free meal.” 

Frank Sinatra and Elizabeth Taylor also pulled up a chair in the State Dining Room.

Of course, they weren’t the only well-known people to visit the yacht.

Over the years Rajiv Gandhi, Sir Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher, Bill Clinton and Nelson Mandela were only a few of the others on a long list of the world’s most powerful people who enjoyed royal hospitality.

© Mark Millar, Royal Yacht Britannia

Supper’ in Britannia’s dining room could be a splendid occasion. In preparation for a state banquet, Royal Navy stewards would lay the burnished mahogany table with military precision. 

They would carefully place the floral decorations, candelabras and exquisite crystal wine glasses.

With a ruler in hand, they measured the precise position of each shining piece of silver cutlery. Menus were printed and seating plans were discussed before Britannia set sail. 

The Queen and Prince Philip had their own bedrooms and sitting rooms, decorated to reflect their personal taste. The Queen preferred chintz and floral while the Duke liked the more functional wood panelling. 

This elegant lady became a favourite with all generations of the royal family but particularly the Queen who always said it was the only place she could truly be at ease.

Honeymoons at Sea

Four royal couples opted for a honeymoon at sea, onboard the Royal Yacht Britannia.

They were Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips, Prince Charles and Princess Diana, Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones, and Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson.

Princess Diana

A young Princess Diana was happiest when proceedings were kept informal, she was a very special guest as far as the naval crew were concerned. 

On one memorable occasion, she was found in the Junior Ratings Mess leading the crew, or yachtsmen, as they were called, in a rendition of What , Shall We Do With The Drunken Sailor. 

One remark in particular sums up the feeling and affection the crew had for her.  “There are 275 men aboard and every one of them is in love with Princess Diana.”

It’s fitting that Prince William and Prince Harry, who often spent their summer holidays on trips to the Western Isles of Scotland loved the freedom and privacy the royal yacht allowed them.

Ambassador for Britain

Beyond its role as a private residence, it was an unofficial ambassador for Britain serving as a platform for diplomatic and official engagements.

Britannia undertook numerous state visits, carrying the royal family and government officials to countries around the world. The yacht became a powerful symbol of British soft power, projecting an image of elegance, grace, and stability to the international community.

On what became known as Sea Days, it would throw open the doors to the world of commerce.

That allowed businessmen to showcase the best of British craftsmanship and design and promote their companies and products to the world.

The yacht became a floating showroom for British excellence, helping to boost exports and attract foreign investment.

The Overseas Trade Board estimated that between 1991 and 1995 the exchequer benefited to the tune of £3 billion.

Decommissioning and the transformation into a visitor attraction

After over four decades of service, the Royal Yacht Britannia was decommissioned in Portsmouth on 11 December 1997.

During that long service, the ship sailed over one million nautical miles stopping at 600 ports in 135 countries. 

Rather than being sold or scrapped, the decision was made to preserve the yacht as a visitor attraction, allowing the public to experience first-hand the grandeur and history of this wonderful vessel.

At the Paying-Off Ceremony, the queen clearly sad at the occasion, said: “Looking back over forty-four years we can all reflect with pride and gratitude upon this great ship which has served the country, the Royal Navy and my family with such distinction.” 

WHAT ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF A VISIT TO THE ROYAL YACHT BRITANNIA?

• Enjoy freshly made food and a warm welcome at the Royal Deck Tearoom.
• Visit the gleaming Engine Room to inspect the John Brown built turbines which drove the ship over a million nautical miles in its many years of service.
• The Wheelhouse , not on the Bridge as you might expect, is on the deck below. Yachtsmen unable to see ahead followed instructions from the officers through voice pipes.
• Admire the lavish State Dining Room , decorated with gifts received on foreign visits.
• Visit the Officers’ Wardroom , sometimes compared to a gentleman’s club, where officers would relax after work. Traditionally the captain did not dine there unless invited.
• Crew’s Quarters: These are much more cramped than the royal and officers’ quarters. They give a glimpse into the living conditions of the working crew. You can also visit the sick bay and the laundry room.

Special events

The Britannia also hosts a series of special events throughout the year, including music evenings and cocktail nights. It is also available for private hire, with the State Dining Room being a popular venue for dinners and receptions.

If you’re visiting during the busiest periods and just turn up, the queues can be long, so be prepared for a wait.

However, many of the available tour options will let you avoid queuing and you can book online on the official Britannia website.

But if you prefer to explore yourself, there are free audio guides in 30 languages to help you find your way around. A range of concession prices is also available.

Can you stay overnight on the Royal Yacht Britannia?

While you cannot stay overnight, you can at the nearby Fingal, a floating hotel moored nearby.

This unique hotel is also owned by the Royal Yacht Britannia Trust and is one of E dinburgh’s luxury hotels.

Also nearby is the newest Edinburgh whisky distillery –the Port of Leith Distillery which opened in October 2023.

VISITOR INFORMATION

For further information on admission times and help planning your visit, go to the Britannia website.

Royal Yacht Britannia: Everything You Need To Know To Visit This Royal Residence!

Visiting the royal yacht britannia in edinburgh.

Of all of the beautiful and historic sites I visited in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Royal Yacht Britannia was hands-down the most intriguing.  Now permanently berthed in Edinburgh, this amazing ship served as a royal residence for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and the royal family for over 40 years.  Visitors get an up-close and highly personal perspective on the royals, unlike any other royal residence.  But before you head out to the ship, there are a few things you should know.

Royal Yacht Britannia:  An Unexpected Location

I visited the Royal Yacht Britannia on my very first day in the city, and as part of my solo tour of Edinburgh.  I looked at several maps and read several guide books about visiting, but there was one vital piece of information that I never came across in any of my research.  The entrance to the Royal Yacht Britannia is located inside a shopping mall.   Knowing this ahead of time would have saved me several confused minutes, walking around outside the shopping mall, feeling like an idiot.  Once I finally made my way inside the shopping center, the entrance was obvious.

Royal Yacht Britannia:  Touring and Tickets

Touring the Royal Yacht Britannia is surprisingly relaxed.  Visitors moved at their own pace, and are each given an extremely informative hand-held audio tour.   Directions through the ship are very clear, and each level is easily accessed via a tower on the dock that has both stairs and an elevator.

At the time of writing this, an individual adult t icket can be purchased for £16.50, student and senior tickets are £14.50, children’s tickets are £8.75 (age 5 to 17, under 5 are free), and a family pass (2 adults and up to 3 children) can be purchased for £46.00.

The Royal Yacht Edinburgh offers a free annual pass with your initial ticket, good for the 12 months following your first visit.  Be sure to ask about it when you purchase your ticket ( you can read more information about it here .)

Royal Yacht Britannia:  Highlights of the Tour

Every moment aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia was like stepping back in time and getting a glimpse into what royal life is like.  The ship was commissioned in 1952 and officially launched in 1953, and the decor is still exactly as it was.  Visitors can tour all five decks of the ship, and are able to see the State Apartments, including the personal quarters of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip.   The State Drawing Room and the State Dining Room were particularly fascinating.

One of the most interesting parts of this tour was all the personal family photos and other objects placed throughout the ship.  Having toured other royal residences where spaces feel extremely formal and historic, the Royal Yacht Britannia seemed much more intimate and quaint than you would expect.  For example, the Sun Lounge, said to be the Queen’s favorite space aboard the ship, was just a simple space where the family could relax and enjoy time together.  A stack of old board games is visible in a cabinet, and you can just picture the Queen and her children enjoying time together, like any other family.

In addition to all the spaces used by the Royal Family, visitors can tour the decks reserved for the crew and staff.  The spaces are small, but well appointed, and visitors get a real feel for how people aboard the ship lived their daily lives.  It quickly becomes obvious why this particular royal residence is said to have been Queen Elizabeth’s favorites.

Royal Yacht Britannia:  The Royal Deck Tea Room

A visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia is not complete without stopping for meal or a relaxing cup of tea in the Royal Deck Tea Room.   I stopped by mid-afternoon after finishing my tour for a scone and a cup of tea, and enjoyed the gorgeous view of the harbor.  The service was excellent and my scone was delicious.

Access to the Royal Deck Tea Room is only available if you have purchased a ticket to tour the Royal Yacht Britannia, and they are unable to accommodate reservations.

The Royal Yacht Britannia:  A Fantastic Gift Shop

After finishing your tour of the ship and having a bite in the tea room, do not miss the gift shop at the end of the tour.   Since I visited the Royal Yacht Britannia on the very first day of my trip, I didn’t take full advantage of this fantastic location.  Not only does it feature a wide array of items themed around the ship, but it also has many other wonderful items from all over Scotland.  Had I known how boring and similar all the items I would find on the Royal Mile would be, I would have spent more of my souvenir money here!  It’s definitely worth taking the time to look around and find something you’ll love.  (I spent quite a long time trying to find great, unique souvenirs along the Royal Mile, so to save yourself some time,  be sure to check out my post on Where to Buy The Best Souvenirs in Edinburgh by clicking here !)

The Royal Yacht Britannia is not to be missed by any visitor to Edinburgh!  I highly recommend taking advantage of as much time as you can spare aboard the ship.  I will definitely be bringing my family with my next time I visit Scotland to tour this amazing yacht.

Looking for other things to do while you visit Edinburgh?  Check out my guide to the perfect day in Edinburgh, Scotland !

Royal Yacht Britannia – tickets, prices, discounts, afternoon tea, what to see

Royal Yacht Britannia used to be Queen Elizabeth’s Palace on Water and is now Scotland’s most popular tourist attraction. 

Known by many names such as Her Majesty’s Yacht Britannia, Queen Elizabeth’s Yacht ,  HMY Britannia, etc., this Yacht was in the Queen’s service for 44 years and sailed more than a million miles worldwide. 

It is a perfect opportunity to see how the British Queen lived when traveling with other Kings and Queens, World leaders, and celebrities. 

This article shares everything you must know before booking your tickets for the Royal Yacht Britannia tour.

Top Royal Yacht Britannia Tickets

# Royal Yacht Britannia tickets # Royal Edinburgh ticket

Table of contents

What to expect at yacht britannia.

Here is a quick video on what visitors can expect inside Her Majesty’s Yacht Britannia.

Your Royal Britannia tour starts from the Visitor Centre, on the second floor of Ocean Terminal, where you get the historical background about the Royal Family and Yachtsmen.

You then pick up the audio guide, which is part of the entry ticket, and board Queen Elizabeth’s Yacht and explore five fascinating decks.

Highlights on the Yacht’s Royal side are the Sun Lounge, the State Dining Room, and The Queen’s Bedroom.

On the ship’s operational side, you get to see the Crew’s Quarters, the Engine Room, the laundry, etc.

More than 95% of the exhibits you will see during your tour are original and are taken on loan from The Royal Collection.

If you prefer, you can also visit the Royal Deck Tea Room.

Back to Top

Royal Yacht Britannia tickets

This entry ticket gets you complete access to the Royal ship that’s now berthed in Edinburgh’s historic Port of Leith.

Visitors can explore all five decks at a leisurely pace even as they take in the public and private lives of the British Royal Family.

This ticket also includes the complimentary audio guide. 

Royal Yacht Britannia prices

Adult ticket (18+ years): 18.50 pounds Child ticket (5 to 17 years): 9.25 Pounds  Family ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children): 50 Pounds Infant ticket (under 5 years): Free entry

Royal Edinburgh ticket

This combo is known as the 48-hour Royal Edinburgh Ticket and is a real money saver. 

If you are visiting Edinburgh for the first time, we highly recommend this Royal attractions combo. 

This ticket gets you to access three of the best attractions in the city:

• Royal Yacht Britannia
• Edinburgh Castle
• Palace of Holyroodhouse

And to top it all, you also get unlimited travel for 48 hours on three of Edinburgh’s hop-on-hop-off bus tours. 

Where is the Royal Yacht Britannia

Address:  Ocean Terminal, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6JJ, United Kingdom. Get Directions

The Royal Yacht Britannia is berthed in Leith, Edinburgh, just 2 miles from the City Centre.

Britannia’s Visitor Centre is on the second floor of Ocean Terminal, just 15 minutes’ drive from Edinburgh City Centre.

Ocean Terminal is soon going to be  re-branded  as Porta. 

There are many ways to get to the Royal Yacht. 

If you are coming by train, you must get down at  Edinburgh Waverley .

From outside the station, you can take a taxi to cover the 3.7 kms (2.3 miles) to Ocean Terminal. 

From the Waverly station, you can also take bus No. 22 and 34.

You must board the buses at  Princess Street (Stop PN) , and after 24 minutes and 27 stops, get down at  Ocean Terminal (Stop OF) .

There is a bus from the Station, every 15 minutes.

Lothian Bus services  run three buses – Bus No. 11, 22, and 35 – from Edinburgh City Centre to Ocean Terminal. 

You can purchase tickets on the bus by presenting the correct change or from the  Lothian Buses app .

A single journey on a Lothian Bus costs 1.70 Pounds. 

If you use Satnav, use the postcode EH6 6JJ. 

Else, open Google Maps to get  directions to Ocean Terminal .

If you prefer a taxi, we recommend  Uber ,  Central Taxis , or  City Cabs .

Car Parking

Royal Yacht Britannia offers free parking at Ocean Terminal.

Blue Car Park on Level E is closest to the tourist attraction’s Visitor Centre. 

This part of the Park also has spaces for Blue Badge holders. 

Royal Yacht Britannia entrance

If you reach by foot, taxi, or bus, access to Royal Britannia is from the Ocean Terminal Shopping Center’s main entrance on the ground floor. 

You must take a lift to the 2nd floor of Ocean Terminal and walk towards the building’s East end.

You will first spot Debenhams and then HMY Britannia’s Visitor Center entrance.  Even though you can book tickets at the venue (the ticket desk is to the left of the visitor center entrance), it is better to  buy them online , much in advance, to avoid last-minute disappointment. 

Royal Yacht Britannia opening times

During the peak months of April to October, Royal Yacht Britannia opens at 9.30 am, and the last entry is at 4.30 pm. 

The rest of the year, the Royal Yacht opens at 10 am, and the last entry is allowed till 3.30 pm. 

The last admission on 24 December is at 2.30 pm, and on 31 December it is at 3 pm. 

Royal Yacht Britannia is closed on 25 December and 1 January.

Royal Yacht Britannia tour

The Royal Yacht Britannia   tours are a perfect way to feel like a celebrity for a few hours. 

In this section, we share a few things you must know before you book your tour of the Royal ship. 

Are the Britannia tours timed?

No, tours of HMY Britannia don’t start at a stipulated time. 

When you book your tickets, you only select the ‘date.’ 

On the day of your visit, reach the Royal ship between their opening hours to start exploring.

Are the Royal Britannia tours guided?

Her Majesty’s Yacht doesn’t offer guided tours. 

However, every ticket comes with an audio guide to walk around and tour the ship yourself.

Kids get their own version of the audio guide. 

How long does a tour of Britannia Yacht take?

You need at least two hours to explore Royal Yacht Britannia to satisfaction. 

However, if you plan to visit the Royal Deck Tea Room, you must factor in another 30 to 60 minutes. 

Visits during July and August tend to take longer because of the crowd. 

Royal Britannia discounts

Kids up to four years get the maximum discounts at Britannia, Edinburgh – they get in for free. 

On the adult ticket price of 17 Pounds, children aged 5 to 17 years get almost 50% discount and pay only 8.75 Pounds.

Seniors who are 60+ and students with valid educational ID cards get a 2 Pound reduction on the full ticket.

People in the Armed Forces (with valid ID) can also claim the reduced price of 8.75 Pounds. 

However, this Armed Forces discount is available only at the Britannia ticket office.

Royal Yacht Britannia audio guide

Every Britannia Yacht entry ticket comes with a complimentary audio guide.

While receiving the audio guides at the Handset Desk, you can ask for straps to wear the audio guides around the neck. Headphones are also available.

Kids can opt for the children’s version of the audio guide.

The audio tour is available in 30 languages; English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, Dutch, Finnish, Greek, Russian, Czech, Polish, Hungarian, Korean, Japanese, Urdu, Mandarin, Hindi, Arabic, Thai, Turkish, Cantonese, Punjabi, Portuguese-Brazilian, Welsh, Romanian and Gaelic. 

Besides the audio guide, visitor guides are also available through the tour route to help if you have questions.

Royal Yacht Britannia afternoon tea

The Royal Deck Tea Room is on board Britannia and tables are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

It is a perfect restaurant to enjoy freshly prepared food and stunning views of the harbor. 

The menu includes specialty coffees, cocktails, tasty soups, sandwiches, cakes, scones, etc.  Download Menu

The Royal Deck Tea Room has 35 tables and can seat 133 people.

Royal Deck tea room timings

During the peak months of April to October, the Royal Deck Team Room opens at 11 am, and the last admission is at 3.30 pm. 

January to March: Opens at 11 am, last admission at 3.30 pm

November to December: Opens at 10.30 pm, last admission at 3.45 pm

Royal Yacht Britannia interiors

Many tourists wonder what’s inside the Royal Yacht before they book their tickets. 

Some out of curiosity and some to know if a visit to Royal Yacht Britannia is worth it. 

We list below some of the highlights of this Palace on water. 

State Apartments

The State Apartments are the collection of rooms where the Royals lived or entertained their guests. 

1. The State Drawing Room

The Royal family relaxed in the State Drawing Room whenever they traveled together. 

It also acted as a reception room for up to 250 guests. 

2. The Verandah Deck

The Verandah Deck was a private space for the Royals, where they could sunbathe or enjoy quoits or deck hockey. 

This area of the ship also had a collapsible swimming pool for the Royal Family to splash around if they wanted.

3. The Sun Lounge

The Sun Lounge was one of the Queen’s favorite rooms onboard HMY Brittania. 

The beautiful teak-lined room was a designated family room and offered a lot of privacy from the rest of the ship.

4. The State Dining Room

This massive dining room onboard Britannia has played host to the world’s most influential people, such as Nelson Mandela, Sir Winston Churchill, Ronald Reagan, Margaret Thatcher, etc. 

With its white paneled walls adorned with gifts received during State visits, this room represents ultimate luxury. 

The Engine Room

The Engine Room is a testament to British marine engineering skills because, until the ship got decommissioned in 1997, everything was working fine. 

This room is full of gleaming brass, chrome, and white enamel with the ‘heavy stuff’ under the hood pumping 12,000 horsepower, which would help Britannia and her four-bladed propellers to a maximum of 22.5 knots.  

Eight men operated the Engine Room, Boiler Room, and associated machinery rooms.

The Laundry

The 240 Officers and Yachtsmen on board Her Majesty’s Yacht Britannia sometimes had to change their uniforms up to six times a day. 

This is why it was the only ship in the Royal Navy to have a laundry service permanently on board. 

The laundry machines, dryers, and steam presses on the ship worked non-stop, and sometimes the temperature even went up to 48 degrees Celcius (118 degrees Fahrenheit)

Admiral’s Cabin

The Admiral was responsible for Royal Yacht Britannia’s safe functioning and commanded the 19 officers and 220 Yachtsmen who operated the ship.

He worked, entertained, and often ate (he couldn’t join the other officers in their mess unless invited) in the Admiral’s Cabin. Image: Royalyachtbritannia.co.uk  

The Bridge was HMY Britannia’s center of command and control on all her journeys. 

From here, the officers reporting into the Admiral navigated, passed orders, recorded the logbooks, etc.

Back then, all Royal Navy ships had a Navy, Army, and Air Force Institute shop, known as the NAAFI. 

The crew members and the officers would shop for their daily needs, such as toothpaste, shaving creams, magazines, etc. in this shop. 

Sources # Royalyachtbritannia.co.uk # Architecturaldigest.com # Wikipedia.org # Tripadvisor.com The travel specialists at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy .

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This article was researched & written by

Jamshed V Rajan

He is a two-faced traveler, who enjoys both the hustle-bustle of an urban holiday and the serenity of a break from the rest of the World. During some of his vacations, he is a resort hopper, and on others, he barely spends time in his hotel. He loves to try mouth-watering local cuisines, especially non-vegetarian dishes. Favourite Cities: Amsterdam, Las Vegas, Dublin, Prague, Vienna

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Secrets of the Royal Yacht Britannia

Town & Country took a tour of the famous vessel which served the royal family for more than 40 years and has reopened as a tourist attraction.

Wondering about the royal family's yacht as you watch this season of The Crown ? In light of its appearance on the Netflix series, we're resurfacing this story from 2021 :

While plans to build a successor to boost Britain’s trade continue to attract criticism, Britannia is once again attracting hordes of visitors after being forced to close because of COVID-19. And it’s no surprise, because from being able to look right into the Queen’s bedroom to learning about what life was like for the up to 220 yachtsmen on board, this is a boat with some fascinating stories to tell.

Town & Country went aboard to learn the secrets of this much-loved vessel. Here’s our pick of the best royal tales.

The ship was altered with royal skirts in mind.

Many photographs of the Royal Yacht Britannia show the family waving from the Royal Bridge as the vessel departed from or arrived at its destination. And the bow of the ship was specially adapted to make sure these public moments did not reveal more than was intended. “The curved teak windbreak was a later feature, added for modesty’s sake, to prevent sea breezes from lifting royal skirts,” visitors to Britannia are told.

It was a struggle to get the royal car on board.

When the 412-ft yacht was built in 1953, it was considered important that it had a garage to house the Queen’s Rolls Royce. However, getting the car on board was no easy feat. “First, the car, in its transporter, had to be hoisted onto the special track that is fitted into the deck. Even then, it could only be squeezed into the Garage by removing its bumpers,” Britannia’s guide notes. Thankfully, in later years the Queen usually traveled in a car from the country she was visiting which meant that the garage was eventually used as a beer store.

Britannia was designed to avoid any peeking into the royal bedrooms.

Now, visitors to Britannia get a full view of the Queen and Prince Philip’s (separate) bedrooms, albeit through glass. However, when the ship was in use it was important that no-one could peek into these rooms. Pointing out that the windows looking into these areas are “higher than anywhere else on the Yacht,” Britannia’s guide explains: “By placing them at this height above the deck, any accidental glimpses into the royal bedrooms could be prevented.”

There were lots of people on board—but not everyone traveled in style.

One of the most fascinating things about touring the yacht is looking into the living quarters—from the relatively luxurious rooms of the Queen and Prince Philip and the ship’s Admiral, to the officers’ comfortable sitting room and dining room, to the approximately 220 yachtsmen who lived, slept, and worked, as the guide describes “in fairly cramped conditions.” Tourists are told: “Britannia was a ship in which hierarchy was strongly defined.” And there were plenty of people to accommodate. Some 45 working members of the royal household accompanied the Queen on her overseas visits.

The Queen favored neutrals while Philip liked darker colors.

As the yacht was build with their use in mind, the Queen and Prince Philip both had a say in the ship’s design and as such, it gives a some insight into their taste. The Queen’s (single) bed has a specially-commissioned embroidered silk panel above it, and her room is decorated in pale and neutral colors. By contrast, Philip’s room features vibrant maroon linen and curtains and, at his request, his pillows, unlike the Queen’s “do not have lace on the borders.”

There is only one double bed.

The honeymoon suite on the yacht is opposite the Queen and Philip’s bedrooms. “This is the only room on Britannia with a double bed which was brought on board by Prince Charles when he honeymooned on the Yacht with Princess Diana,” tourists are told. “When the Royal Children were small, this bedrooms and the adjoining room were used as nursery suites.”

The royal children liked to eat jelly on board.

Food on board Britannia was prepared in three galleys—one for the yachtsmen, one for the officers and one for the royal household. Buckingham Palace chefs were flown out to prepare royal food and there was a room that, according to Britannia’s guide, was known as the Jelly Room “for it was in here that the royal children’s jellies were stored.”

There is a dance floor that hasn’t been used for 50 years.

The largest room on Britannia is the State Dining Room where lavish banquets were held. It could also be used as a cinema room. “The silver-grey carpet could also be rolled up to expose a wooden dance floor beneath, although the last time this was used was for Princess Anne’s 21st birthday celebrations,” the guide notes.

Prince Philip kept a reminder of his naval career in his office.

Just like their separate bedrooms, the Queen and Philip had separate offices on board Britannia. Philip’s had a “specially designed display case,” the ship’s guide notes, in which he kept “a model of HMS Magpie, His Royal Highness’s first naval command.” The Duke of Edinburgh famously gave up his active naval career in 1951 to support his wife in her duties when King George VI’s health was ailing.

The ship was ready for stormy seas.

The royal family and their guests relaxed in the drawing room, which featured a grand piano. The instrument was played by members of the family and even some of their famous guests, including composer Noel Coward. “The Welmar baby grand piano cost £350 when it was supplied in 1952, and is firmly bolted to the deck to stop it taking off in choppy seas,” tourists are told.

Once the royal laundry turned blue.

Walking through the laundry at the end of the tour provides an insight into what was once a “hot and noisy environment.” Some 600 shirts could pass through the laundry in one day, with the royal family’s washing done on separate days to that of the crew. Britannia’s audio guide recounts “one occasion when the royal washing turned a delicate shade of blue, and Her Majesty’s Dresser was less than amused. The cause, it turned out, was a chemical reaction in the copper pipes, which was quickly remedied by adjusting the pH value of the water.”

For more information and to book tickets visit royalyachtbrittania.co.uk

Town & Country Contributing Editor Victoria Murphy has reported on the British Royal Family since 2010. She has interviewed Prince Harry and has travelled the world covering several royal tours. She is a frequent contributor to Good Morning America. Victoria authored Town & Country book The Queen: A Life in Pictures , released in 2021. 

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Sparkling Royal Jewels From Around the World

Dazzling Dannebrog Diamonds (and Romanov Turquoises!) for Queen Mary of Denmark

08.21.2024 by thecourtjeweller // Leave a Comment

The Danish royals headed out this week on their annual summer tour, sailing aboard the Royal Yacht Dannebrog to visit several of Denmark’s islands, and Queen Mary sparkled in diamonds, pearls, and gold–and Catherine the Great’s turquoises!–for two stops along the way.

King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark kicked off the first summer tour of his reign on Monday, sailing on the Royal Yacht Dannebrog to the island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea. Members of the Danish royal family have visited the islands and seaside towns of the nation during summer cruises for almost a century, dating back to the reign of Frederik’s great-grandfather, King Christian X. This summer, Frederik and Mary will make stops in Bornholm, Ærø, Assens, and Velje during the tour.

King Frederik looked spiffy in his naval uniform as the couple stepped off the Dannebrog in Rønne on Monday, and Queen Mary took inspiration from sailors’ garb as well, wearing trousers and a sleeveless Breton jacket with gold buttons, per UFO No More .

Mary accessorized with a pair of sparkling hoop earrings, plus gold bracelets on both wrists and rings on both hands.

On her left hand, Mary almost always wears her diamond and ruby engagement ring and a diamond eternity band. Here’s a slightly better look at the ring on her left hand. I believe it’s a gold ring with an open oval shape from her collection of Dulong jewelry.

Here’s a better look at the diamond earrings, which echo the lines of her striped jacket. You’ll also spot her necklace with the diamond-set charm in the shape of the letter F (for Frederik, of course) just peeking out from beneath her shirt.

On Tuesday, the royal couple arrived on the island of Ærø, one of the sunniest and warmest parts of Denmark. King Frederik wore a suit for the occasion, while Mary was dressed in a blouse and tan skirt with a Panama hat.

Mary opted for gold jewelry pieces set with diamonds and pearls for the daytime events on the island, including diamond and pearl drop earrings and a trio of gold necklaces, with charms shaped like the letters F and M (for Frederik and Mary, of course).

Mary wore a pair of gold Cartier Love bracelets on her left wrist and gold and pearl bracelets on her right.

You’ll spot the Cartier bangles in this atmospheric photo, which was shared by the Danish court. Mary added a garland of flowers to her hat during the day, a nice extra touch for this stroll through a meadow.

On each stop during the summer tour, the King and Queen host a reception aboard the Dannebrog at the end of the day’s engagements. The ensemble that Mary wore for Tuesday evening’s reception in Ærø will, I think, be particularly interesting to my fellow royal jewelry lovers, because she paired special heirloom earrings with her floral dress. Per family tradition, the turquoises set in these earrings once belonged to Catherine the Great . They arrived in Denmark with Queen Ingrid, who inherited them from her mother, Princess Margaret of Connaught–who was indeed a direct descendent of the Romanov empress through her mother, Princess Louise Margaret of Prussia.

Queen Margrethe gave Mary the family turquoises as a 50th birthday present in February 2022. For the reception on the Dannebrog on Tuesday, Mary paired the earrings from the suite with a turquoise ring, worn on her right hand.

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King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark Visit Ærø Municipality

The 2024 Denmark summer tour made by King Frederik and Queen Mary with the Royal Yacht Dannebrog continues. On August 20, the King and Queen visited Ærø Municipality in connection with the traditional 2024 summer tour. The King and Queen continue their summer tour this week with stops in Ærø Municipality, Assens Municipality, and Vejle Municipality. The King and Queen will visit Funen Island, and then will wrap up their tour at Vejle, a city on the Jutland Peninsula.

In the evening, King Frederik and Queen Mary hosted a reception on the Royal Yacht Dannebrog in Ærøskøbing Harbor.

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38 comments.

(We will not publish anonymous comments that were posted without stating a name or nickname)

Love, love, love this outfit! Guessing the blue slingback heels are a pop of color for her outfit. Her hat is fashionable and wonderful to cover her from the sun. The floral wreath that was added at some point is beautiful. I have to say I like how the King and Queen are wearing rather relaxed clothes--it makes them look simple and approachable to all the people they are meeting. Its also great that they are out in what appears to be the countryside, seeing everything. Janet

Love the flowers on her hat!

That's a lovely flower hat!

This is a lovely casual outfit, and she looks beautiful in it. Love the skirt has plenty of movement. The white blouse is perfect. The shoes are a beautiful color, nice to have a splash of blue! The dark pearl earrings, I love, the pearls are a great size. The hat looks splendid.

Both Mary and Frederik look lovely in these photos. Their outfits are well coordinated, and it's nice to see Frederik wearing some different, relaxed colours for a change (instead of blue suits), during this tour so far. I particularly like the last photo - such love! - and the addition of wild flowers on Mary's hat is charming and romantic. - Anon 9:13

Nicely coordinated outfits. Regarding the last 'love' picture, they do not seem to look at each other but more past each other?

On the moor, photographers asked for pictures of the two of them together. I guess it goes with the job, no?

Nice casual clothes perfect for the setting ,but I do think the king is looking at the flowers on her hat not gazing into her eyes.

Q Mary looks very nice again. I like this outfit, but the shoes are out of place imo. css

Mary looks lovely and refreshing! MR

Well, I really liked her style, but lately I find very few combinations on her that I like. I hope she finds way to her previous style path.

I’m enjoying her evolution towards frequently more relaxed outfits, so I’m hoping the opposite! - Grace

I'm also enjoying seeing the more casual Mary. I think that now that she is Queen, she is adopting a casual style that makes her more approachable to the Danish public, in light of the increased public appearances across the country (especially small towns and communes) that she and Frederik will be making in their new roles. But I also love her sharp, chic style when the occasion calls for it, such as during national events or in city commitments, as we saw before she became queen. So I'm enjoying both, and looking forward to more. - Anon 9:13

Les couleurs blanche et camel sont très estivales mais le gris/bleu des chaussures n'est pas judicieux !

This is more Mary like: just perfect ❤️

Beautiful summery outfit! She looks great.

The skirt is really a no from me. Too much 'wide' area around the middle. The shoes seem to have nothing in common with the rest of the outfit.

Wow, she is the queen of skirts, wears them perfectly. Plus so we'll thought to change into a more hike-y like outfit, well done! Luna

I have said it before and I will say it again, Queen Mary has an aura about her that is magical. Whether dressed up or dressed down it is something that comes from within that cannot be explained but she has IT! One of the best decisions Queen Margrethe (a wise woman) did was to pass the torch down to Mary! FITZHUGH

Absolutely agree, Fitzhugh!

Hello FITZHUGH. Could it simply be “class”. One day, but I hope that day will be a long time away, the title of Queen of Class, currently held by Princess Benedikte, will become available and it will be bestowed on Queen Mary. Her title will then become, Her Majesty Queen Mary The Queen of Class and Denmark. Long live the Queen.

deadeggs, you are absolutely right, class is most definitely part of the charm and I think she had class before she ever became Crown Princess and then Queen. I have also said before that King Frederick married up when he made her his bride and class cannot be bought. You either have it or you don't and she has been blessed! FITZHUGH

Hello FITZHUGH; I love what you say about King Frederick 'marrying up'. So true. He's a loveable, handsome King but still with a few rough edges. I’m sure, in time, with Queen Mary’s examples he’ll mellow into being a perfect King. God save King Frederick.

@ Fitzhugh 21/8 14:15 Queen Margrethe passed the torch down to her son Frederik. Queen Mary happens to be the wife of King Frederik (or the queen consort like it is called in some countries).

anonymous 15:01 I am well aware she is Queen consort again thank you @ Karen and if I do not won't to address her as Queen Consort I do not have too!

Ah, so much better than on arrival day.

Queen Mary continues to wear the same style she wore at the Olympic games in Paris. I like it. It is Summer and she has right to wear her Summer outfits while it still can. We will be soon enough in the Fall. The only thing that doesn't match are the light blue transparent sling backs. I'd prefer she wore a pair of solid sandals in cognac color. King Frederik is also dressed for the season in his grey linen suit. Another dress style than Queen Margrethe when she visited each year during the Summer the different regions of her country. Oh well yes they are still a young couple of monarchs who prefer to dress casual during the holidays. I cannot blame them.

Just discovered a number of pictures taken during their trip with the Dannebrog. On these pictures Queen Mary is wearing several beautiful outfits or dresses upon arrival and during the evening in the Municipalities they have been visiting until now.

How looks Mary without make-up?

Anon 19:02. What does a troll look like?

I cannot wait until tiara time comes again and we get to see Queen Mary beguile us with the beautiful and glittering jewels that she has at her disposal that are available to the reigning Queen of Denmark. Just thinking! FITZHUGH

@ Fitzhugh Don't you think that queens and princesses like to wear casual clothes during the Summer holidays ? Wearing tiara's is beautiful for us to look at. For the lady who must wear them they are often too heavy and give the wearer headaches. The small tiara's are giving more comfort than the big ones.

Of course we all like to wear casual clothes, I did not say she should wear them now but when vacations are over, state visits start, do you not like to see our royal ladies in their finest, those occasions are what many of us enjoy about what Miss Helen has to offer us but I still get excited every Sunday when I pick out my favorite bowtie to worship even the summer with my seersucker suits. Are you saying they should stop wearing tiaras because they are to heavy.....Maybe you are in the minority, by the way are you the Karen who is always so negative because your comment has a familiar ring to it!!! FITZHUGH

@FITZHUGH 11:58 Please do not twist my words in something I didn't say. I am not Karen nor Rose, but I'll try to explain what you didn't seem to understand. Of course I like to look at a Queen in a Gala dress with her best tiara on. But sometimes a queen has the right to dress casual like during her vacation and not to wear a heavy tiara on her head. I'll give you an example : do you know what happened to Queen Mathilde on her wedding day ? The tiara she wore had to be attached strongly in her hair to make sure it didn't fall out. By the end of the clerical ceremony she had terrible headaches but she kept smiling (there are pictures on which one can see there is something wrong). After the dinner party, of which no pictures have been published, or the ball one had to remove the tiara because she couldn't support it anymore. You know what happened ? She had bleeding wounds on her head of the sharp parts of the tiara that had pushed the whole day in the skin of her head. The tiara she wore was not too big or too heavy and In the meantime she probably knows what to do/or not, to avoid such a painful story. She doesn't has the same hairdresser either. You can call this negative if you like but it really happend.

No you twisted my words, I said when the summer comes I looked forward to tiara season and I never once said the ladies should wear tiaras to heavy, you did, Queen Mathilde does not have to worry too much about her tiara because she only has one that she wears 3 different ways!

Apparently you don't know much about Queen Mathilde. It is true she has not much tiara's, but she has more than one. The tiara of the Nine Provinces can be worn in 2 different ways. She also has the Wolfers tiara and 2 other ones of which one is in Art Deco style and the other represent leaves. It is not her fault that in the past, members of the Belgian court when they had to leave the Castle of Laeken took things among which jewelry with them. Longtime afterwards some beautiful pieces has been presented for sale by auction houses like Sotheby's or Christies. Signed anon. 23/8 15:39

No one could wear that skirt better than Q Mary. Mrs Cleaver

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The Royal Yacht Britannia, Ocean Drive, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6JJ

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Where is The Royal Yacht Britannia Berthed?

Just a 20-minute drive from Edinburgh's city centre, in Leith.

The  entrance to the tour is on the Ground Floor of Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre.

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Leave the car at home and cycle along the traffic-free Water of Leith. Bike racks are outside Ocean Terminal. For cycle routes, see  CycleStreets . For bike hire, contact the  Leith Cycle Company  or  Bike Trax .

Edinburgh trams now run from Edinburgh Airport through the city centre and down to Leith. To visit Britannia get off the tram at stop Ocean Terminal. 

Adult tickets cost £2 each way in the city zone. Child tickets are £1 each way. If you are returning to the city, you can purchase a return ticket for the same day at £3.80 for adults and £1.90 for children. Tickets must be purchased from the machines on the platform before travel. T icket vending machines accept most debit and credit cards including American Express as well as 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2 coins. No change is given.

If you are travelling to or from Edinburgh Airport there is a single ticket for £7.50 or an open return for £9.50.

For more information and for combination tickets of the city zone tram with local Lothian Buses,   click here . 

Lothian Bus  services from Edinburgh city centre are 10, 16, 34 or 35. Tickets can be purchased with contactless card payment or with correct change. Single tickets cost £2.00 or a day ticket costs £5.00 however the daily cap by using contactless is cheaper at £4.80.

Alternatively, Regal Tour buses depart from Waterloo Place / St Andrew Square in Edinburgh's city centre. The Regal Tour Bus is operated by  Edinburgh Bus Tours .

The nearest train station is  Edinburgh Waverley . 

For satnav, our postcode is  EH6 6JJ . Follow signs for Edinburgh and Leith, or North Edinburgh. There is a free multi-storey car park as part of Ocean Terminal.

At the junction of Commercial Street, Lindsay Road and North Junction Street, turn on to Ocean Drive. Passing the Holiday Inn Express on your right, across the junction (traffic lights), after passing the large white Ocean Terminal sign on your left, take the first left turn into the multi-storey car park. We recommend parking on level C or E as they both allow direct access into the shopping centre.

Please see our videos below for instructions on how to go from the car park into Ocean Terminal and find the entrance to Britannia.

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To arrive by taxi, please ask the driver to drop off outside Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre. Please then enter through the main shopping centre entrance and follow the signs to our Ground Floor location within the centre.

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If you are berthed in Leith our entrance to the tour is inside Ocean Terminal, 5 minutes' walk from your cruise ship.

If you are berthed at South Queensferry, take a shuttle bus to Edinburgh and catch the tram to Ocean Terminal. A taxi will cost approximately £35 and take 30 minutes to 1 hour (depending on traffic).

Britannia is approximately 40 minutes' drive from  Edinburgh Airport .

The Lothian Bus Skylink 200  service travels directly from the airport to Britannia .   Tickets can be purchased from the driver. Please note that the correct change is required. Alternatively download the  Lothian Buses 'm-tickets'  app which allows you to buy tickets to be shown to the driver on your mobile phone.

For further details on transport links, please visit  Edinburgh Airport's Guide .

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Sicily yacht sinking LIVE: Mike Lynch among five bodies pulled from Bayesian as daughter Hannah remains missing

LIVE – Updated at 15:30

British tech tycoon Mike Lynch is among five people whose bodies have been recovered from the wreck of a luxury yacht while his daughter remains missing, an Italian official has confirmed.

Morgan Stanley bank chairman Jonathan Bloomer, his wife Judith Bloomer, Clifford Chance lawyer Christopher Morvillo and his wife Neda Morvillo have also been identified by the Italian coastguard, Sky News reported.

Tributes have poured in from across the tech and business worlds for Mr Lynch , describing him as a “pioneer” and a “giant of a man”.

A major search operation has been underway for the six missing people since the Bayesian sank in a storm off the coast of Sicily around 5am on Monday.Four of the missing were found dead on the wreck yesterday and brought to shore, while a fifth was recovered shortly after the search operation resumed this morning.

The body pulled from the wreck this morning is that of 59-year-old Mr Lynch, interior ministry official Massimo Mariani told Reuters.

He said Mr Lynch’s 18-year-old daughter Hannah Lynch - a former west London schoolgirl who was due to attend Oxford University - is now the only person who is yet to be found.

Fifteen people including a one-year-old baby escaped the tragedy on a lifeboat, while the body of Canadian-Antiguan national Recaldo Thomas, who was working as a chef on the yacht, was recovered at the scene of the sinking on Monday. 

Follow live updates below.

BBC boss Tim Davie pays tribute to 'wise, generous and insightful' Mike Lynch

BBC director-general Tim Davie is the latest major figure to pay tribute after the death of technology mogul Mike Lynch.

Mr Lynch was previously on the board of the BBC, as well as other prominent institutions.

“We are deeply saddened by the awful news about the deaths of those aboard the Bayesian yacht,” said Mr Davie.

“Mike Lynch was an outstanding BBC director who made a major contribution during his time on the board, from 2007 to 2012.

“Wise, generous and insightful, he played a particularly key role in accelerating our transformation as a digital organisation.

“Our thoughts are with his family and all others involved.”

Italian interior ministry official confirms Mike Lynch's body found

Massimo Mariani, an Italian interior ministry official, has confirmed to Reuters news agency the body of British tech magnate Mike Lynch was retrieved from the wreck this morning.

We have been hearing reports of this throughout the day, but this is the first time the news has been confirmed by a named official.

Mr Mariani added that Mr Lynch's daughter is the last person unaccounted for after the yacht, and said she may be inside the wreck or could have been tossed into the sea as the boat sank.

Mike Lynch was 'was a valued donor to Cancer Research UK' says charity CEO

The chief executive of Cancer Research UK has added to the tributes paid to Mike Lynch after confirmation of his death on Thursday.

Michelle Mitchell said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Mike Lynch and all those who have been affected by this tragedy.

“Together with his wife, Angela, Mike was a valued donor to Cancer Research UK and a member of the board for our Create the Change campaign, which funded the building of the Francis Crick Institute.

“His support has helped to bring leading scientists together under one roof to tackle the biggest health challenges faced by humankind, including cancer.

“Our sincerest condolences go out to all the families affected.”

'Nonsense' that ship sank in seconds, says CEO of The Italian Sea Group

The CEO of the Italian Sea Group, which built the yacht, has dismissed the idea that the boat disappeared in a few seconds as “nonsense”.

In an interview with Italian outlet Corriere della Sera he claimed six minutes passed from when water started entering the ship to when it sunk.

He has argued that the yacht’s guests should have been taken to the assembly point of the ship "as per emergency procedure".

He added: "All it took was a 40-degree tilt and those in the cabin found the door high up."

The CEO added that if the right procedures were followed, which included closing all doors and hatches before starting the engine and pulling up the anchor, then "the next morning, they would have set off again with zero damage".

Tributes pour in from across tech world to 'giant of a man' Mike Lynch

Leading figures from the business and technology sectors have been paying tribute to  Mike Lynch , whose body has reportedly been recovered from the wreck.

One of the UK’s best-known tech entrepreneurs, the 59-year-old has been remembered as “a hugely significant and pioneering figure” who will be remembered for both his “glittering” professional achievements, and for his “generosity, empathy and kindness”.

Read the tributes, and about Mr Lynch’s life and achievements, here .

Key questions facing investigators

Much speculation has swirled since the Bayesian sank, with many baffled as to how the vast yacht went down in a matter of just minutes.

Here are some of the questions and challenges investigators examining the sinking may be facing:

• Was the yacht’s design a factor? Bayesian has a mast measuring 72 metres, making it one of the world’s largest sailing yachts. There has been speculation the mast may have acted “like a sail" when severe weather hit the vessel, leaving it "pinned over on its side".
• Were windows and doors left open? Sam Jefferson, editor of the magazine Sailing Today, told PA news agency he suspects "all the doors were open because it was hot", causing the yacht to fill with water "very quickly". Weather records show temperatures reached around 33C the day before the sinking.
• Will video footage help shine a light on what happened? The Italian coastguard has reportedly visited local homes and organisations to gather footage of the sinking from CCTV cameras.
• Was the keel a factor? Italian media reported that divers found the Bayesian's keel - a flat blade on the bottom of yachts that sticks down into the water to boost stability - was partially retracted. Some yacht safety experts believe that may have contributed to the sinking. But a spokesperson for Italian Sea Group, which owns the company that built Bayesian, told The Telegraph: "Even without the keel completely out, the ship is stable and only a massive entry of water could have caused the sinking."
• Was the crew prepared? The weather event that sank the yacht has been described as a “black swan event”. But Giovanni Costantino, CEO of The Italian Sea Group, has claimed human errors are responsible for the sinking and that it could have been avoided. He told Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera that it is good practice to have a guard on the bridge while a ship is at anchor, to look out for storms and take necessary measures.

'Moving one metre inside wreckage can take 24 hours' says fire service as difficult search continues

A spokesperson for the Italian fire service has said search teams “would need a crystal ball” to work out when the sixth and final missing person might be found.

Four bodies were recovered from the wreck of Bayesian yesterday, while a fifth was brought to shore this morning. Of the six people rescue teams have been working to find since the yacht sank on Monday, one person remains missing.

"We would need a crystal ball to know when we'll be able to find the next body," Luca Cari of Italy’s fire rescue service, which has been leading the search operation, told Sky News.

"It's very difficult to move inside the wreckage. Moving just one metre can take up to 24 hours.”

Passages inside the wreck - which is lying on the seabed at a depth of around 49m - have been obstructed by furniture and other wreckage, making access very difficult.

No decision yet made on whether to recover yacht - coastguard

A spokesperson for the Italian coastguard has said no discussion has yet been had, regarding whether the wreck of the Bayesian will be recovered from the sea floor.

Spokesperson Vincenzo Zagarola told the PA news agency: "This is not a topic on the agenda. It will be, but not now."

The wreck of the luxury, 56-metre-long (184ft) yacht is resting on the seabed off the coast of Sicily, at a depth of 50 metres (164ft).

Who is missing Hannah Lynch?

Hannah Lynch is the sixth and final missing yacht passenger who is yet to be found, according to reports.

Hannah is the 18-year-old daughter of British billionaire tech tycoon Mike Lynch. She is understood to be the youngest of two girls.

She was on board Bayesian with both her father and her mother, Angela Bacares, when it was hit by severe weather shortly before 5am on Monday.

Mrs Bacares managed to escape the yacht on a lifeboat along with 14 other people, but Mr Lynch and Hannah were among six people who were lost in the sinking.

Expert divers have spent more than three days searching the wreck, which is lying on the seabed at a depth of around 50m.

They have recovered Mr Lynch’s body along with those of four others, but are yet to locate Hannah, according to reports.

Hannah Lynch is a former pupil of prestigious west London private school Latymer Upper School. The £25,000-a-year school in  Hammersmith  counts Alan Rickman,  Hugh Grant  and Heston Blumenthal among alumni.

She is understood to be a gifted pupil, who recently completed her A-levels and secured a place to read English at the University of Oxford.

The teenager has been described by friends as a “supernova” - a gentle, kind, clever young woman who was a staunch feminist, according to The Times.Latymer Upper School said in a statement on Tuesday: “We are all incredibly shocked by the news that Hannah and her father are among those missing in this tragic incident and our thoughts are with their family and everyone involved as we await further updates.”

Read more here .

Mike Lynch 'a hugely significant and pioneering figure' in tech sector

Tech trade association TechUK has paid tribute to tycoon Mike Lynch as “a hugely significant and pioneering figure”.

A spokesperson told The Independent: “Mike Lynch was a hugely significant and pioneering figure in the UK technology sector.

“Our hearts go out to all of the families and friends who have been impacted by these tragic events.”

Royal Academy of Engineering pays tribute to Mike Lynch

The Royal Academy of Engineering has paid tribute to its “mentor, donor and former council member” Mike Lynch following reports of his death.

In a statement, the academy said: “The trustee board, fellows and staff of the Royal Academy of Engineering are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Mike Lynch, and send our profound condolences to his family.

“Mike became a fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2008 and we have fond memories of the active role he played in the past as a mentor, donor and former council member.

“He was also one of the inaugural members on the enterprise committee.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”

Bystanders solemnly watch on as search for sixth body continues

Boat manufacturer ceo claims human mistakes led to sinking.

How the Bayesian - built by Italian high-end yacht manufacturer Perini and presumed to have top-class fittings and safety features - sank so rapidly has baffled naval marine experts who believe it should have been able to withstand the weather.

Giovanni Constantino, CEO of the Italian Sea Group , which includes Perini, has now claimed the luxury yacht was "one of the safest boats in the world".

He said he believed the disaster was caused by a chain of human mistakes and that the storm had been expected, in interviews with Italian media.

"The ship sank because it took on water, from where investigators will have to say," Mr Constantino told television news programme TG1 last night.

Citing data from the yacht's automatic tracking system and based on available footage, he said it took 16 minutes for Bayesian to sink, after it began being buffeted by the wind.

Mr Constantino said the Milan-listed group has suffered "enormous damage" to its reputation, with shares falling 2.5 per cent since the disaster.

Prosecutors have opened an investigation into the sinking, and authorities have started questioning passengers and witnesses. Captain James Cutfield was reportedly interviewed for around two hours on Tuesday.

NSPCC chair pays tribute to Jonathan and Judy Bloomer

The chairman of children’s charity the NSPCC has paid tribute to Jonathan Bloomer and his wife Judy, following news of their deaths.

Morgan Stanley International bank chairman Mr Bloomer formerly served as honorary treasurer of the NSPCC.

“We are deeply saddened that the deaths of Jonathan Bloomer and his wife Judy have been confirmed after the yacht they were on tragically sank off the coast of Sicily,” said charity chairman Neil Berkett.

“Jonathan and Judy were great supporters of the NSPCC over many years, with Jonathan joining our board of trustees in 2008 and serving as the honorary treasurer from 2009 to 2016.

“We remember Jonathan from his time with us as a very kind individual with a great sense of humour, and Judy as formidable and passionate.

“We are so grateful for everything they did for children and the NSPCC and our thoughts are with their family, friends and colleagues at this desperately sad time.”

'We were all hoping for a miracle' - friend of Mike Lynch

Brent Hoberman, a friend of renowned British tech tycoon Mike Lynch, has described news of his death as “unbelievably tragic”.

Mr Hoberman told Sky News: “We were all hoping for a miracle - we knew it was unlikely but you still hold out hope.

"It's just so unbelievably tragic for him to go through what he went through over the last 12 years, defending his name and not really living a full life, to now for his death to be confirmed is obviously incredibly sad."

Mr Lynch spent 12 years trying to clear his name after being accused by US firm Hewlett Packard (HP) of fraud and conspiracy.

The father-of-two was finally acquitted in June following a trial in the US.

The yacht trip was a celebration of his acquittal. His wife Angela Bacares and daughter Hannah, friends, colleagues, and lawyers who helped clear his name were among passengers on board.

Body of tech tycoon Mike Lynch 'recovered from yacht' - reports

The body retrieved from the wreck of Bayesian this morning is that of British tech magnate Mike Lynch, a source close to the rescue operation has reportedly told news agency Reuters.

The source said Mr Lynch’s 18-year daughter Hannah Lynch is still missing.

That would mean the four bodies recovered yesterday are those of the four other missing people - Morgan Stanley International bank chairman Jonathan Bloomer and his wife, Judy Bloomer, and lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife, Neda Morvillo.

The Italian Coastguard has confirmed to the PA news agency that the sixth and final person yet to be found is a woman.

The identities of those recovered have not yet been confirmed by authorities.

Photos show fifth body being brought to shore

Photos from photographers at the scene show the fifth body being brought to shore by rescue personnel.

The remains were recovered from the wreckage this morning, and a fire service boat with flashing blue lights returned with a blue body bag to the port of Porticello just after 8.45am local time (7.45am in the UK).

The search continues for the sixth and final missing person.

What we know so far

• Five bodies have been found on the wreckage of the Bayesian superyacht. Four were brought to shore yesterday, with the fifth recovered this morning.
• One person remains missing . Search teams are this morning resuming efforts to find them.
• The yacht is believed to have been hit by a waterspout - a tornado over the water. Eyewitnesses say it sank within a matter of minutes, but how and why it sank so quickly has yet to be established.
• Search efforts have been hampered by debris that has blocked access to the yacht’s sleeping cabins. The operation has also been complicated by the angle and depth of the yacht, which is lying on the seabed around 49m (160.7ft) beneath the surface.
• Authorities have been searching for six missing people : British tech billionaire Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter Hannah; Morgan Stanley International bank chairman Jonathan Bloomer and his wife, Judy Bloomer; Clifford Chance lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife, Neda Morvillo.
• Italian authorities have not yet officially identified the bodies that have been found.
• Fifteen of the 22 passengers and crew escaped Bayesian on a lifeboat . One man - yacht chef Recaldo Thomas - was found dead at the scene on Monday.

Fifth body recovered

A fifth body has been recovered from the wreck of Bayesian.

The body was one of five located yesterday but divers had to abandon their recovery after night fell last night.

Five bodies have now been recovered from the wreck. One person remains missing.

'The world has lost a genius' says friend of Mike Lynch

David Tabizel, who co-founded software giant Autonomy with Mike Lynch in 1996, has paid tribute to him as “a giant of a man”.

Around 9.30pm on Wednesday, after news was confirmed that five bodies had been found on the Bayesian, Mr Tabizel wrote on X: “It looks like we’ve lost our dear Dr Mike Lynch. RIP. The world has lost a genius. His family have lost a giant of a man.”

Speaking to Sky News earlier this week, Mr Tabizel described Mr Lynch as “one of the most influential, intelligent and most honourable human beings I have ever had the honour of knowing”.

In a piece for the Standard, Mr Lynch’s friend Rohan Silva recounted visiting the tech tycoon while he was under house arrest in the US awaiting his fraud trial, and wrote how after his name was finally cleared Mr Lynch had messaged him to say he was “exhausted” but that it was “so wonderful to be home” in the UK with his wife and two daughters.

Silva said Mr Lynch is “beloved by London’s tech community”, and said he will remember him not just for his “glittering academic and business achievements” but “for his thoughtfulness, generosity, empathy and kindness”.

Mr Lynch rose to become one of Britain’s most successful entrepeneurs, after founding Autonomy.

He sold the firm to Hewlett Packard (HP) for £11bn (£8.64bn), generating himself an $800m windfall. But he then spent 12 years trying to clear his name of fraud and conspiracy, after HP accused him of over-inflating the value of Autonomy.

The 59-year-old was finally cleared in June. He had organised the trip on the Bayesian - a yacht owned by his wife Angela Bacares - as a celebration of his acquittal.

Who are the six people search teams have been looking for?

Search teams have spent more than three days searching for six people who were missing after the Bayesian yacht sank before dawn on Monday.

The bodies of five people have now been found, though it has not confirmed which missing people they belong to.

The six people authorities have been searching for are British billionaire tech tycoon Mike Lynch ; his 18-year-old daughter Hannah Lynch , a former London schoolgirl ; Morgan Stanley International bank chairman Jonathan Bloomer and his wife Judy Bloomer ; Clifford Chance lawyer Chris Morvillo , and his wife Neda Morvillo .

Photos show search teams resuming operation

Photos from the scene this morning show the search mission appears to have resumed.

It is now just after 8am in Sicily. The Italian fire service, which has been leading the operation, has not yet released a statement this morning but previous days have seen firefighters resume their search at first light.

Search for sixth missing person to resume

Good morning, and welcome to the Standard’s live blog.

Today will see divers search the wreckage of the Bayesian yacht for the final person who remains missing after the luxury vessel sank off the coast of Porticello, in northern Sicily, in the early hours of Monday.

Rescuers have spent three full days searching for six missing passengers - four Brits and two Americans. After difficulty reaching the sleeping cabins where they believed the missing people to be trapped, divers finally managed to gain access yesterday afternoon and found five bodies.

Four of those bodies have been recovered. The whereabouts of the missing sixth person remains unknown.

We will be bringing you updates throughout the day as the operation continues.

Queen Mary channels Audrey Hepburn in tailored skirt and most enormous hat

King frederik and his wife were spotted on the final day of their summer tour  .

Queen Mary went out with a bang on Thursday as she rounded off her summer tour with King Frederik in style.

The Australian-born Danish royal, 52, was seen arriving in Vejle where she exuded vintage glamour in a look Audrey Hepburn would have been proud of.

Mary wore a navy cropped jacket from Prada with a printed blouse from Proenza Schouler. The chiffon number was teamed with the most gorgeous 1950s-style A-line skirt with a tapered waistline from Baum und Pferdgarten.

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The jacquard skirt was teamed with classic accessories to round off her chic look. King Frederik's wife wore the 'Ascent 85 Pink Leather Pumps' from Gianvito Rossi and carried the 'Small Whitney Bag' from Max Mara - two staple pieces from this summer tour.

The star of the show was her enormous navy blue hat which elevated the outfit to the next level. To cater for this, she wore her hair down - styled in bouncy waves.

Later in the day, Mary made a few adjustments to her look to adapt to the stormy weather. She swapped out her designer heels for designer flats - the 'Rope And White Canvas Cap Toe Ballet Flats from Prada, to be exact. She also slipped a Harris Wharf trench coat on for extra warmth and protection from the rain.

During the visit, the royal couple visited Kong Gaurs Gård, a daycare centre, before stopping off at one of Vejle's most successful companies, Welcon A/S, which manufactures steel components and turn-key solutions.

As has been the routine on the summer tour, the royals hosted an evening reception where the queen changed into an elegant dress.

For day four, Mary debuted the 'Claudia Twisted-Neck Floral Midi Dress' from Saloni. The white garment featured a beautiful floral design with long sleeves and a tapered waist. 

The royal wore her loose curls in a side part with a section of hair twisted behind one ear to frame her face effortlessly. 

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden may have inspired her Danish counterpart as she wore the exact dress when on the Royal Yacht Dannebrog during Mary and Frederik's two-day official state visit to Sweden in May.

Translated into English, the royal pair penned: "Thank you Bornholm and mrø, Assens and Vejle for making our first summer trip one we will never forget.

Everywhere we have been welcomed in the most festive way from roadside, windows and balconies, on harbour fronts, town squares and town halls. 

"Our country has a lot to offer and we have enjoyed experiencing culture and nature, communities and professional skills on our own," they continued. 

DISCOVER:   Queen Mary of Denmark divides opinion with unusually long 'confusing' outfit

"Thank you to everyone who spontaneously and planned shared personal stories, experiences and talents, and to everyone who prepared, held and participated in the past four days."

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Body of British tech magnate Mike Lynch recovered from sunken superyacht as search enters final stages

PORTICELLO, Italy — The body of British tech magnate Mike Lynch was recovered from the wreck of a superyacht that sank off Sicily , a source familiar with the matter told CNBC on Thursday.

The source said rescuers were still searching for Lynch’s 18-year-old daughter, Hannah, the l ast p er son missing from the luxury boat , which went down in what authorities said was a freak storm early Monday.

A massive search effort was launched, and four bodies were recovered from the 180-foot Bayesian on Wednesday after an operation hampered by the depth to which the wreck had sunk and the debris that blocked divers’ path through its narrow passages.

Salvatore Cocina, head of Sicily’s civil protection agency, confirmed to NBC News on Thursday morning that a fifth body had been recovered. And hours later, CNBC reported that the body of Lynch, regularly described in U.K. media as “Britain’s Bill Gates,” was among them.

The U.K.'s Royal Academy of Engineering said Thursday morning that it was “deeply saddened to learn of the death of Mike Lynch,” who is one of its fellows. “Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time,” the academy said in a statement on X .

The others missing were Lynch's associates, who had successfully defended him in a blockbuster U.S. fraud trial earlier this summer: Jonathan Bloomer, chairman of Morgan Stanley International and the British insurance firm Hiscox, and his wife, Judy; and a well-known New York City defense attorney, Christopher Morvillo, and his wife, Neda.

The body of Recaldo Thomas, a Canadian Antiguan national who was the ship’s cook, was recovered shortly after the accident Monday. 

Fifteen of the 22 people onboard survived.

Waves gently crashed against the rocks of Porticello, a port near the Italian island’s main city, Palermo, with the sea calm as rescuers brought ashore green body bags Wednesday — a stark contrast to just three days ago, when officials believe the yacht was hit by a tornado over the water, known as a waterspout.

The vessel was anchored about a half-mile offshore when it sank, leaving divers to search its hull on the seabed 164 feet underwater.

The dock has swarmed for days with journalists, photographers and curious onlookers taking photos with their smartphones as rescue teams traveled to and from the site of the wreck.

Claudio Lavanga reported from Porticello and Yuliya Talmazan from London.

Claudio Lavanga is Rome-based foreign correspondent for NBC News.

Yuliya Talmazan is a reporter for NBC News Digital, based in London.