Charles and Camilla meet veterans on board the HMS Queen Elizabeth

2022-07-20

Prince Charles and Camilla meet veterans on board the HMS Queen Elizabeth to mark the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War

Royal pair were all smiles as they met veterans on board HMS Queen Elizabeth
Visited the Royal Navy’s Flagship at Portsmouth to mark the 40th anniversary
Fighting broke out on April 2 1982 after Argentine forces invaded the Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall paid tribute yesterday to those who fought in the Falklands War, one of Britain’s biggest military deployments since WW2.

Prince Charles and Camilla were all smiles as they met veterans on board HMS Queen Elizabeth – the Royal Navy’s Flagship and ‘very high readiness’ strike aircraft carrier – at Portsmouth to mark the 40th anniversary of the conflict.

Fighting broke out on April 2 1982 after Argentine forces invaded the Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory.

The Prince of Wales (pictured left) and Duchess of Cornwall paid tribute yesterday to those who fought in the Falklands War, one of Britain’s biggest military deployments since WW2

Prince Charles and Camilla (pictured) were all smiles as they met veterans on board HMS Queen Elizabeth – the Royal Navy’s Flagship and ‘very high readiness’ strike aircraft carrier – at Portsmouth to mark the 40th anniversary of the conflict

Lasting 74 days, it was the first military action since the Second World War that utilised all elements of the Armed Forces.

Within days, a British task force comprising 127 warships, submarines and requisitioned merchant ships carrying troops, aircraft and equipment, set sail for the South Atlantic.

In all 255 British personnel lost their lives, seven ships destroyed by enemy action and nine aircraft shot down by the time British forces retook the islands and the conflict ended on June 2.

Arriving at The Princess Royal Jetty in Portsmouth, the prince and duchess were greeted with a Royal Salute from a Royal Navy Guard of Honour with Army Band.

After walking up the gangway and onto the ship, they were greeted by Captain Ian Feasey, HMS Queen Elizabeth’s Commanding Officer, who presented Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace, and senior service representatives.

Arriving at The Princess Royal Jetty in Portsmouth, the prince (pictured) and duchess were greeted with a Royal Salute from a Royal Navy Guard of Honour with Army Band

In the ship’s vast hangar they met with groups of veterans, serving personnel and families, as well as members of South Atlantic Medal Association 82 (SAMA82),of which The Prince of Wales is Patron

In the ship’s vast hangar they met with groups of veterans, serving personnel and families, as well as members of South Atlantic Medal Association 82 (SAMA82),of which The Prince of Wales is Patron.

Charles, 73, and Camilla, 75, left to a rousing ‘three cheers’ and signed a visitor’s book.

HMS Queen Elizabeth was deployed as the Flagship for Carrier Strike Group 21, the most ambitious naval deployment for a generation.

Minister Ben Wallace said: ‘Forty years ago, 30,000 service personnel made the 8,000-mile journey to help protect the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands. Today, we thank every one of them for their efforts and honour the 255 who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Charles, 73, and Camilla, 75, left to a rousing ‘three cheers’ and signed a visitor’s book

HMS Queen Elizabeth was deployed as the Flagship for Carrier Strike Group 21, the most ambitious naval deployment for a generation. Pictured, Camilla

‘The UK is as determined to defend our values now as we were 40 years ago.’

Captain Ian Feasey added: ‘It was humbling for our sailors and officers to meet veterans of the Falklands conflict and to remember the sacrifices made by the UK armed forces and Merchant Navy personnel during the Falklands conflict, in which aircraft carriers played a vital role.’

The reception on board HMS Queen Elizabeth is one of many events being held across the country to commemorate those who fought in the war.

Commodore Jamie Miller, who survived the sinking of destroyer HMS Coventry and is president of SAMA82, said: ‘To have Their Royal Highnesses present aboard the nation’s flagship – a reminder of the importance of sea power and the vital role of aircraft carriers in the Falklands – is a fitting end to this year’s events and we are truly honoured by their presence. It is vital that we remember the past to get the present and future right.’

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