HMS Prince of Wales departure for Nato exercise delayed

The departure of HMS Prince of Wales from Portsmouth has been delayed.

The Royal Navy aircraft carrier was expected to deploy from the naval base and head for Exercise Steadfast Defender, Nato's biggest exercise since the Cold War.

The ship had been set to depart at 1215 on Sunday, according to the King's Harbour Master in Portsmouth.

• HMS Queen Elizabeth prepares to deploy on largest Nato exercise since Cold War
• HMS Prince of Wales ready to sail on Sunday for Nato’s largest exercise
• HMS Queen Elizabeth's departure for large Nato exercise cancelled after propeller shaft 'issue'

Families had gathered at the Round Tower to wave off their loved ones, however a police launch told them it was no longer happening.

In a statement, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) said the aircraft carrier will sail soon, "subject to suitable tide and weather conditions".

The MOD also said further updates on sailing times would be published on "KHM Portsmouth's shipping movements later today".

It comes after the Royal Navy announced HMS Queen Elizabeth would not be taking part in the exercise after an issue with her propeller shaft.

As a result, HMS Prince of Wales was "brought in" to replace her sister ship.