Photo: Tim Graham Photo Library
The Crownis diving intoroyal events from the ’90s in season 5, and that includes the decommissioning of Her Majesty’s Yacht Britannia, also known as the Royal Yacht Britannia.
In the first episode of the new season, Claire Foy (who portrayed Queen Elizabeth IIin seasons 1 and 2)reprises her role as the monarchas a flashback shows the yacht’s official launch in April 1953.
Through the years, the vesselsailed over 1,000,000 nautical mileson 968 state visits with the royal family as they entertained prime ministers and presidents, per the Royal Yacht Britannia website. It also served as thevenue for several royal honeymoons, includingPrincess Diana and Princes Charles in 1981.
From when it was commissioned to where the Royal Yacht Britannia is now, here’s everything to know about the royal yacht.
When was the Royal Yacht Britannia commissioned?
Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty
As shown onThe Crown, Royal Yacht Britannia wasofficially launched on April 16, 1953, at the shipyard of John Brown & Co. Ltd in Clydebank, Dunbartonshire, whereQueen Elizabethunveiled the yacht’s official name.
How big is the Royal Yacht Britannia?
TheRoyal Yacht Britannia is about 412 feet long, with a beam width of 55 feet andfive decks, and weighs over 4,000 tons.
Who used the Royal Yacht Britannia?
The yacht was described as the royal family’s “floating residence” during its 44 years of service. As it was used tohost “magnificent state receptions and banquets, and guests,” numerous world leaders boarded the yacht over the years, including Sir Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela, Ronald Reagan and Rajiv Gandhi.
Furthermore, the Royal Yacht Britannia wasthe venue of four royal honeymoons: Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips,Prince Charlesand Princess Diana, Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones, and Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson. All four royal marriages ended in divorce, whichQueen Elizabethfamously reflected on in her 1992 speech where she referred tothe past year as her “annus horribilis,” or horrible year.
When was the Royal Yacht Britannia decommissioned?
The yacht’s retirement was announced in 1994 as a result of the substantial costs needed to repair the ship. It was estimated that the cost would £17 million, which would only prolong the yacht for another five years.
“Looking back over 44 years we can all reflect with pride and gratitude upon this great ship which has served the country, the Royal Navy and my family with such distinction,“the Queen said at the time.
Where is the Royal Yacht Britannia now?
Listed as part of the National Historic Fleet, people cannow visit the Royal Yacht Britanniaat Port of Leith in Edinburgh, Scotland. Visitors are able to see various parts of the yacht including Britannia’s five decks, the state apartments, as well as the Sun Lounge, which wasthe Queen’s favorite roomin which to have her afternoon tea.
Does the Royal Yacht Britannia have a successor?
source: people.com
