HMS Queen Elizabeth arrives in Portsmouth

"We are gathered to witness another seminal moment in the long history of the Royal Navy in Portsmouth.

"In the golden years of the second Elizabethan age, a new era of British maritime power is beginning.

"And in 50 years' time, people in Portsmouth will still talk about the day they saw this 65,000-tonne giant arrive for the first time."

"Today we welcome our mighty new warship, HMS Queen Elizabeth to her home for the very first time. She is Britain’s statement to the world: a demonstration of British military power and our commitment to a bigger global role.

"The thousands of people across the UK who have played a part in building her and her sister ship, HMS Prince of Wales, should be immensely proud as our future flagship enters Portsmouth. She has made good progress in sea trials and will now embark on the next phase of preparations that will see the return of Britain‘s carrier strike ability.

"When she enters service she will help keep Britain safe at a time of increased threats, able to fill multiple roles from providing air power anywhere at any time to fight future campaigns, supporting allies or delivering humanitarian aid."