The Royal Yacht Britannia was built by the Clyde shipbuilders Messrs John Brown & Co at a cost of £2,098,000 to replace her 50-year-old predecessor, Victoria and Albert III. The vessel was named and launched by The Queen on 16 April 1953 and was commissioned on 11 January 1954. The name was The Queen’s personal choice.
For 44 years the Royal Yacht Britannia was the floating residence of The Queen and other members of the Royal Family during many UK and overseas tours. During its lifetime, the Royal Yacht travelled widely. It was used extensively on tours of areas such as the Caribbean, the coast of Europe and the Pacific, allowing The Queen to reach remote regions, and to travel around island realms.
Towards the end of its service, the yacht was used on visits to South Africa and Russia in 1995. The last time The Queen was on board Britannia for an official visit was on August 9, 1997 for a visit to the island of Arran.
These amazing photos were taken by Gareth that show the inside of the Royal Yacht Britannia.
Royal Yacht Britannia – Lifeboat, funnel and flags
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