HMS Queen Elizabeth arrival: When and where will warship return to in UK?

HMS Queen Elizabeth will return to Portsmouth today after a four-month deployment in the US.

Britain’s largest warship will be making the return back to the Solent this afternoon with more than 1,000 members of the ship’s company.

15 navigational aids on Portsmouth Harbour will mark the deep water channel to enable the carrier to safely navigate its way back to Portsmouth Naval Base.

HMS Queen Elizabeth left in August to begin flight trials in the US, during which two F-35FB fighter jets conducted 500 takeoffs and landings.

The 65,000 tonne vessel cost £3bn to build and the Ministry of Defence spent £190 million on each F-35.

When the ship first set off four months ago, Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “The largest warship in British history is joining forces with the most advance fighter jets on the planet.”

HMS Queen Elizabeth is expected to enter active service in 2021 and will be joined by sister ship HMS Prince of Wales in Portsmouth next year.

Where can I see HMS Queen Elizabeth arrive?

The warship will be making its way back to Portsmouth Naval Base, located on the eastern shore of Portsmouth Harbour.

For the best view, spectators can gather at the Hotwalls, Round Tower and Square Tower.

What time will HMS Queen Elizabeth arrive in Portsmouth?

Onlookers should be able to see HMS Elizabeth in the Solent from 1.30pm today.

Crew have instructed that the precise timing could change depending on weather conditions.

How to follow HMS Queen Elizabeth's return:

You can follow HMS Elizabeth’s spectacular journey home through the warship’s official Twitter, Facebook page and the Royal Navy YouTube channel.