Queen Elizabeth welcomed a £3.1 billion ship into the Royal Navy yesterday (07.12.17).
Queen Elizabeth
The 91-year-old monarch was presented with a cake complete with a figure of herself on top as she unveiled the huge vessel, aptly named the HMS Queen Elizabeth, in Portsmouth, southern England.
Elizabeth said the ship, which is known as Big Lizzie, is 280 metres long and weighs in at 65,000 tonnes, was a "true flagship for the 21st century".
She said: "We are gathered here in Portsmouth today, just a short distance from HMS Victory, a flagship of our seafaring past and a reminder of the debt we owe to the Royal Navy, which, for more than 500 years, has protected the people of this country and our interests around the world.
"Like HMS Victory, HMS Queen Elizabeth embodies the best of British technology and innovation.
At the forefront of these responsibilities will be the men and women of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, supported by the Army, Royal Air Force and by coalition partners.
"As the daughter, wife and mother of naval officers, I recognise the unique demands our nation asks of you. I will always value my special link with HMS Queen Elizabeth, her ship's company and their families.
"As you prepare to take this country's message of peace, partnership and prosperities across the seas and oceans of the world, the lord high admiral, the Duke of Edinburgh, joins me in wishing you well in all your endeavours."
Elizabeth was also joined by her daughter, Princess Anne, 67, at the unveiling.
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