£1m fundraiser launched to save ship once commanded by the King

HMS Bronington – once commanded by the King – may find a new home at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard if the 70-year-old warship can be salvaged and restored.

The vessel, also known as the 'King's own warship', is a minesweeping ship that has been offered a spot at the historic dockyard. She was commanded by Prince Charles in 1976 during his time in the Navy.

However, she is currently in need of repairs and restoration as she was partially sunk at her mooring in Birkenhead.

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The HMS Bronington Trust has launched a charity fundraiser to restore the ship and turn her into a museum, at an estimated cost of £1m.

A five-stage plan has been drawn up to restore the vintage minehunter with the intention of getting Bronington out of the water, moving her to the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and creating a special steel cradle to support her.

Mike McBride, trustee director, said the response to date from so many people offering money, time and support to raise the Bronington had been "humbling", with the King himself showing keen interest in the progress.

He said: "Everything is in place to rescue HMS Bronington and return her to her final squadron base port of Portsmouth – if we can get funding.

"She would look good next to HMS Warrior and would complement the HMS Vernon-Mine Warfare Memorial up the road at Gunwharf Quays."

HMS Bronington is one of nearly 120 warships built in the 1950s. She served with distinction from the 1980s into the 1990s.

She carried the nickname of the 'King's own warship' after she was commanded by the King, then Prince Charles, who was at the time a lieutenant commander in the Royal Navy.