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The Prince of Wales and his entourage on camels posing for camera in front of Pyramid of Cheops and Pyramid of Cephrenes, Giza, Cairo. The Prince is seated on the camel fifth from the left. The man in the white suit with a cigar, gazing up at the Prince,
Royal Travel

Modes of travel and travelling accessories used by monarchs past and present

BEQUIA

HMY Britannia

1985

RCIN 93047

The Royal Yacht Britannia was launched in 1953 and for over 44 years conveyed The Queen and Royal Family on official visits around the world, as well as hosting royal honeymoons and family holidays.

HMY Britannia was first used by The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh on their return to England after a six-month Commonwealth tour in 1953–4. It soon became one of The Queen's most beloved retreats – a place where she might 'truly relax' – as well as the perfect location to host glittering receptions and state dinners. By the time of Britannia's decommissioning in 1997, the yacht had conveyed members of the Royal Family and other dignitaries on 696 foreign visits and 272 visits in British waters.

Today, a 'Britannia Room' at Frogmore House reflects the interior of the much-loved vessel. It is arranged with a selection of items from the yacht chosen by the Duke of Edinburgh, including a rich mahogany table made for Britannia in the 1950s and an old wooden ship's pulley.


    The income from your ticket contributes directly to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of The Royal Collection Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational activities.