Families wave off HMS Prince of Wales as she departs for trials ahead of CSG25

HMS Prince of Wales has left Portsmouth for time at sea ahead of a major deployment later this year.

The Royal Navy's flagship departed the Princess Royal Jetty just before 10am, with the harbour temporarily closed to other shipping.

Police launches stood guard as tugs maneuvered the carrier away from the wall before turning her bow towards the narrow harbour entrance, her stern facing Portsdown Hill.

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Loved ones gathered at the Tudor fortifications despite the grey, drizzly weather to wave the ship off as she made her way past the Spinnaker Tower and Gosport.

The carrier is expected to be at sea for several weeks, likely conducting work-up training ahead of Carrier Strike Group 25.

The operation will see HMS Prince of Wales lead a flotilla of ships, including a Norwegian vessel, to the Indo-Pacific region in what will be a major demonstration of Royal Navy capability and UK global presence.

For more reports about Carrier Strike Group 25 click here.