Rare sight - Three queens in same place same time

Three of the best known cruise ships in the world are in their home port of Southampton today.

The 'Three Queens', as they are affectionately called by cruise ship fans came into port together this morning. The liners - Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria - belong to the Southampton-based Cunard cruise line.

The ships travel all over the world. The last time they were in the same place together at the same time in the UK was at Liverpool in 2015. Crowds gathered to watch the liners, and to see the fireworks display organised on by the firm.

The ships travel all over the world. The last time they were in the same place together at the same time in the UK was at Liverpool in 2015.

Crowds gathered along the waterside in Liverpool to watch the liners, and to see the fireworks display organised by the firm.

The rare joint appearance of the 'Three Queens' will be marked by a Red Arrows flypast this evening and fireworks.

The ships are due to leave Southampton at about 5.30pm tonight, setting sail together - heading to the Isle of Wight.

The firm has suggested that people who want to see the ships in Hampshire today will be able to view them from the shore at Lee-on-the-Solent, East Cowes Esplanade, West Cowes, Stokes Bay and Sea View, Ryde Esplanade (as well as the pier) or Southsea.

The firm is due to add a fourth ship to its fleet in 2022.