The Ministry of Defence has reaffirmed that HMS Prince of Wales will lead the Royal Navy’s Carrier Strike Group deployment to the Indo-Pacific in 2025.
As the current flagship of the Royal Navy, HMS Prince of Wales has assumed this prestigious role for the first time in her career earlier this month, succeeding her sister ship, HMS Queen Elizabeth.
Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard stated in a written response to questions from MP David Reed that the MOD is “committed to deploying HMS Prince of Wales as part of the Carrier Strike Group deployment to the Indo-Pacific 2025.”
While operational details for other deployments remain confidential for security reasons, the confirmation underscores the MOD’s focus on maintaining the ship’s high-profile mission schedule.
This announcement follows HMS Prince of Wales‘ designation as flagship during her recent preparations. Speaking to the UK Defence Journal aboard the vessel, Captain Will Blackett described the crew’s mood as “excited” as they look forward to the historic deployment. “We’re ready to go,” he said. “The ship works, the team know what they’re going to do, and we’re on standby now waiting for instructions.”
HMS Prince of Wales has undergone significant trials, including Exercise Strike Warrior, where she embarked F-35B Lightning jets for the first time, completing over 200 flying hours and refining her operational readiness. The upcoming deployment will see the carrier leading a task force east of the Suez Canal, underscoring the UK’s strategic emphasis on the Indo-Pacific.
Captain Blackett remarked on the significance of the carrier’s flagship status: “This is a proud moment for HMS Prince of Wales. We’ve been training hard, ably assisted by our sister ship HMS Queen Elizabeth. We’re ready, we’re excited, and look forward to taking the next step in the ship’s life.”
For the crew of the Royal Navy’s flagship, this mission marks the culmination of years of preparation, hard work, and perseverance.
Speaking aboard the ship, Captain Will Blackett spoke to me on the sense of accomplishment that has brought them to this moment. “Excited” he said when asked to summarise the mood among the crew.
For Captain Blackett and his team, this deployment represents the result of rigorous trials and intense training.
“It’s the first time this ship has held the duty of flagship,” Captain Blackett explained. “Over the course of four years, we’ve overcome quite a lot of challenges.”
The upcoming Carrier Strike Group 2025 operation will see HMS Prince of Wales take her task force east of the Suez Canal on a global mission. Britain’s two Queen Elizabeth-class carriers, HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Queen Elizabeth, regularly rotate the flagship title between them, with one ready for deployment and the other in routine maintenance. This is the first time in her five-year career that HMS Prince of Wales has assumed the prestigious role.
Reflecting on the significance of the moment, Captain Blackett remarked, “This is a proud moment for HMS Prince of Wales. We’ve been training hard, ably assisted by our sister ship HMS Queen Elizabeth. We’re ready, we’re excited, and look forward to taking the next step in the ship’s life.”
The transfer of the flagship role does not involve a formal ceremony, but the two carriers briefly met in UK waters before HMS Prince of Wales made her way to Liverpool for her official designation. HMS Queen Elizabeth’s Commanding Officer, Captain Will King, offered his support for the new flagship.
“Every Sailor in HMS Queen Elizabeth knows the pride that comes from serving in the RN Flagship. I wish HMS Prince of Wales every success taking on the title – they will do a fantastic job. As her sister-ship, we stand ready to support her in every way.”
As part of her preparations, HMS Prince of Wales participated in Exercise Strike Warrior, a major North Sea operation involving allied nations. The exercise included her first embarkation of F-35B Lightning jets from 809 Naval Air Squadron, which conducted 71 sorties over 210 flying hours and dropped live Paveway bombs during operational scenarios. The carrier’s 800-strong crew worked closely with their task group to refine procedures and tactics ahead of next year’s deployment.
The ship’s visit to Liverpool, her affiliated city, provides a unique opportunity for public engagement. Over seven days, the crew will interact with local schools, community projects, and civic leaders, giving the public a glimpse into life aboard the Portsmouth-based warship. This is HMS Prince of Wales’ first visit to Merseyside since March 2020, just before the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns began.
With an expected service life of up to 50 years, the Queen Elizabeth-class carriers are among the most advanced maritime platforms in the world. Adaptable and powerful, they can deliver carrier strike missions, enforce no-fly zones, deploy Royal Marine Commandos, deliver humanitarian aid, and build international partnerships. Their ability to travel 500 miles a day, combined with the speed and range of the F-35 Lightning II jets, allows them to react swiftly to crises and make a global impact.
