THE Royal Navy’s biggest ship has returned to the River Mersey as part of a week-long visit.

Members of Wirral Globe's Camera Club captured the arrival and docking of aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales on Sunday.

During the week, its 800 crew will have a chance to engage with local schools, community projects and civic leaders – and give the public an insight into life aboard the Portsmouth-based warship as she gears up for a global deployment next year.

The 65,000 tons warship is due to leave on Monday (December 9).

The Royal Navy’s biggest Aircraft carrier - HMS Prince of Wales - has returned to the River Mersey on a week-long visitThe Royal Navy’s biggest aircraft carrier - HMS Prince of Wales - has returned to the River Mersey on a week-long visit (Image: Ray Yu / Wirral Globe Camera Club) It's the first time since March 2020 that the ship’s schedule has allowed her to visit Merseyside.

That maiden appearance drew hundreds of thousands of people to the city – with around 20,000 members of the public enjoying a tour of the carrier.

The Royal Navy’s biggest Aircraft carrier - HMS Prince of Wales - has returned to the River Mersey on a week-long visitThe Royal Navy’s biggest aircraft carrier - HMS Prince of Wales - has returned to the River Mersey on a week-long visit (Image: Guppies Poets / Wirral Globe Camera Club) Standing to attention aboard the Royal Navy’s biggest Aircraft carrier - HMS Prince of Wales - has returned to the River Mersey on a week-long visitStanding to attention onboard the Royal Navy’s biggest aircraft carrier - HMS Prince of Wales - has returned to the River Mersey on a week-long visit (Image: Ray Yu / Wirral Globe Camera Club) Prior to its return to Merseyside, the ship's Commanding Officer Captain Will Blackett said: "It is a great privilege to bring the ship to Liverpool – a city with very special historical links to the Royal Navy – and it is a particular honour for us to receive the Freedom of the City this week.

“This is the culmination of a very busy autumn training programme.

"The ship’s company deserve recognition for their remarkable efforts, and this visit allows us to show you what we do.”

Part of security for the Royal Navy’s biggest aircraft carrier - HMS Prince of Wales - which has returned to the River Mersey on a week-long visitPart of security for the Royal Navy’s biggest aircraft carrier - HMS Prince of Wales - which has returned to the River Mersey on a week-long visit (Image: Ray Yu / Wirral Globe Camera Club)

The Royal Navy’s biggest Aircraft carrier - HMS Prince of Wales - has returned to the River Mersey on a week-long visitThe Royal Navy’s biggest aircraft carrier - HMS Prince of Wales - has returned to the River Mersey on a week-long visit (Image: Ian Dean / Wirral Globe Camera Club) The Royal Navy’s biggest aircraft carrier - HMS Prince of Wales - has returned to the River Mersey on a week-long visitThe Royal Navy’s biggest aircraft carrier - HMS Prince of Wales - has returned to the River Mersey on a week-long visit (Image: Ray Yu / Wirral Globe Camera Club)