Royal Navy Warship, HMS Albion set for a six day visit to Liverpool

One of the Royal Navy’s largest warships and the nation’s Flagship HMS Albion is heading to Liverpool.

HMS Albion will arrive at Liverpool’s Cruise Terminal on Saturday 28th September 2019 and will conduct several events locally on the River Mersey. The ship’s company will also be parading through the streets of Chester, their affiliated City on Sunday 29th September 2019 as well as taking part in a Service at Chester Cathedral with HRH The Princess Royal.

HMS Albion, in company with the Dutch ship Johan De Witt

Throughout her stay on the Mersey HMS Albion will be the focus for the Royal Navy’s proud historical and close relationship with the North West. The 18,000 tonne amphibious assault ship will be moored from approximately 11am on Saturday until her departure on Wednesday 2nd October 2019.

The ship will be open to the public on Saturday 28th September 2019 from 1pm to 4pm. Last entry is at 3:15pm.

HMS Albion meets French task group

During the parade in Chester on Sunday, crowds are expected to line the route of the parade to welcome HMS Albion’s crew and HRH The Princess Royal as she inspects the ship’s company in the city’s town hall square. The day will also see HMS Albion exercise their Freedom of the City of Chester by marching through the streets, with ‘Bands playing, Bayonets fixed and Colours flying’.

A plaque to celebrate the Town Hall’s 150th birthday will then be unveiled by the Princess Royal with the Lord Mayor of Chester before she attends a special celebration event at Chester Cathedral, hosted by the Commanding Officer of HMS Albion.

Lord Mayor of Chester, Mark Williams said: “HMS Albion was granted the Freedom of the City of Chester in 2003 and has always enjoyed strong links with our city. We’re incredibly proud to host HRH The Princess Royal to inspect the ship’s company and celebrate this relationship with what promises to be a spectacular parade, as well as commemorate the Town Hall’s 150th birthday.

“This promises to be a very special event for the city and I’d encourage people to come along to town hall square to view the parade or enter the ballot to be part of the Cathedral celebration event.”