HMS Prince of Wales gets set to receive the Freedom of Liverpool

HMS Prince of Wales, which is the UK’s biggest aircraft carrier is to receive the Freedom of Liverpool at a special service on Friday 6 December.

A special service – which is invitation-only and not open to the general public – will take place at Liverpool Parish Church on Chapel Street at 12.30pm this Friday in which the HMS Prince of Wales will be awarded Liverpool’s highest honour.

There will be hymns, readings and prayers from the Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside, Mark Blundell, and the vessel’s Commanding Officer, Captain Will Blackett RN.

The service will be followed by a march through the city centre of some of the 800-strong ship’s company from around 1.45pm, falling out at the Pier Head.

Chapel Street will be closed from 12:30pm until the end of the march, with other roads closed on a rolling basis.

During her time in Liverpool, the vessel has been celebrating her ties with the City by renaming one of the main passageways aboard after the Beatles’ classic Penny Lane, as well as hosting school pupils for a Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) day.

A total of 10,000 people have secured tickets to go on board the HMS Prince of Wales on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December, with the open weekend a complete sell-out.

Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Richard Kemp, said:

“Liverpool has always had a significant connection with the Royal Navy, particularly during times of conflict, including the pivotal Second World War Battle of the Atlantic.

“Those strong links remain today, and the City acknowledges the role the ship and her company play in both the defence of the nation and within the local community.

“This week I have had the privilege of going on board to unveil a Penny Lane sign, which is just one of several reminders of the ship’s association with the City. I have also witnessed first-hand a demonstration of her capabilities and the skill of her crew.

“It is an honour to admit the vessel to the Freedom Roll of Associations and Institutions.”

Commanding Officer of HMS Prince of Wales, Captain Will Blackett RN, said:

“It is a great honour to receive the Freedom of the City of Liverpool on behalf of HMS Prince of Wales.

“The City has such an amazing maritime history – notwithstanding Liverpool’s vital role as a commercial port, it is important to recognise that Royal Naval warships have been constructed here since as far back as the 18th Century.

“This is an incredible City with national duty and service etched into its heart and I see a poignant link between the duty performed by Liverpool and the duty our sailors hold in the Royal Navy.

“Our deep link with this fine City is a real source of inspiration and pride which will carry us through the challenges ahead.”