THE BRIDGE
Much of the instrumentation you see here was originally installed in 1953 with the later addition of technological improvements in navigation and communication instruments, many updated in 1970 when Britannia was completely refitted.
The ship's gyro-compass sits beside the binnacle and the wooden back-up binnacle contains a magnetic compass that was used for navigation in the event the gyro-compass failed.
The blue pipes are connected to the wheelhouse and were used by the Officer of the Watch to give steering orders to a team of three engineers who in turn used the ship's telegram to advise the engine room of the desired speed.
The Officer of the Watch, in charge of the hands-on operation of the entire ship, was joined on the bridge by a lookout and a signalman. Ultimately responsible for the safety of the Royal passengers and ship's crew was the Captain whose blue-covered chair is seen at right -- all others on the bridge being required to stand.
The Chart House adjoins the bridge immediately aft. The ship's navigation officer plotted her course here when underway and for official state visits up to a year in advance of sailing.
The Officer of the Watch, in charge of the hands-on operation of the entire ship, was joined on the bridge by a lookout and a signalman. Ultimately responsible for the safety of the Royal passengers and ship's crew was the Captain whose blue-covered chair is seen at right -- all others on the bridge being required to stand.
The Chart House adjoins the bridge immediately aft. The ship's navigation officer plotted her course here when underway and for official state visits up to a year in advance of sailing.
THE BOW
Located forward is the cable deck or "fo'c'sle. The two round capstans were used to raise and lower the three-ton port and starboard anchors.
Anchors could also be dropped off the stern while in port to keep the yacht stable and steady for ingress and egress from the boats used to go ashore.
Along with flags used to communicate with passing ships during daylight hours, twin signal lights mounted on a small platform were used to send Morse Code messages at night.
THE FLAG DECK
The highest on the yacht, this deck overlooks the royal apartments just past the Funnel Deck in the stern. The funnel conceals a small gym used by the ship's crew. Set into either side of the funnel are circular steam sirens sounded for the final time when Britannia sailed past John Brown's Shipyard on the Clyde River in 1997 -- blasting a long and fond farewell to the yard which had built her.
There are three masts that traditionally designate a ship of state, each with a gold tip concealing the ship's radio antenna. Hidden beneath the base of each are a number of coins which were placed there in 1953 as payment to the angels to guard the souls of the sailors -- an ancient tradition of the British Navy.
The large white dome was the antenna for the satellite communications system. The halyards (ropes) on either side of the mast were used to hoist the signal flags to communicate with passing ships. The flags are stored -- as they had been on sailing vessels -- folded neatly in their own individual compartments.
THE ADMIRAL'S SUITE
One deck below is the Shelter Deck, location of the Senior Officers' accommodations and the Admiral's suite. Over her lifetime, Britannia was commanded by nine Admirals and a Commodore and the furniture in this cabin is from the Royal Yacht Victoria and Albert III (shown in the photos displayed). This was his private dining area except when the Queen and Prince Philip were aboard and he was invited to dine with them. Otherwise, by tradition he took his meals privately here or in his cabin.
THE SHIP'S BOATS
With ten boats and eighteen life rafts, Britannia carried more small craft than a British Navy warship.
When outfitted in 1953, she was intended to convert easily and quickly -- in 24 hours it was claimed -- into a hospital ship capable of caring for 200 patients if needed in time of war. Fortunately, she never was and in 1992, the idea was abandoned. Thenceforth, Britannia would be the Royal Yacht -- and nothing more.
This is the two-masted racing yacht "Bloodhound" belonging to Prince Philip, an avid and highly-skilled yachtsman since learning to sail as a youth, that accompanied him whenever he was aboard the Britannia. Her speed and agility on the water were world class and he was at her helm as often as his schedule permitted.
The Activity Boat -- formally called the "Royal Barge" -- was used to ferry the Queen and her entourage ashore. The Queen and Prince Philip sat inside an air-condition cabin specially designed so that they could be seen by those awaiting their arrival on shore. A crew of five served on board. This barge, built by Camper Nicholson, replaced the one which had served aboard the Royal Yacht Victoria and Albert III.
The boat is forty feet long and powered by twin 125 horsepower engines capable of speeds up to 18 knots.
Near the bow of Britannia, two Jolly Boats and two fast motor boats served as escorts carrying security personnel from the Royal Navy and Scotland Yard. Britannia carried Royal Marines trained as divers who, prior to birthing, would search the seabed and examine the hull of the ship looking for terrorist devices.
Here the Queen and Prince Philip, accompanied by their usual flotilla, head for port during an annual cruise to the Western Isles of Scotland.
When Christened in 1953, Britannia was outfitted with a special garage to house the family's Phantom V Rolls Royce.
But the luxury limo proved so difficult to get on and off a vessel not equipped with hoists for heavy cargo, it soon remained back at the Palace and the garage was converted into a cold locker for the storage of beer.
Thereafter, arrangements were made with the ports-of-call for suitable motor transport for the Royals ashore. All of these boats played a crucial role in 1986 when the Britannia rescued over a thousand refugees from war-torn Aden.
The ship's smallest boat, this solid mahogany sailing dinghy, was used to acquaint recruits with the finer points of navigation and seamanship.
Thereafter, arrangements were made with the ports-of-call for suitable motor transport for the Royals ashore. All of these boats played a crucial role in 1986 when the Britannia rescued over a thousand refugees from war-torn Aden.
The ship's smallest boat, this solid mahogany sailing dinghy, was used to acquaint recruits with the finer points of navigation and seamanship.
THE VERANDA DECK
This is the largest deck on the yacht and an important and oft-used part of the Royal quarters where they could relax in privacy playing games, sunbathing or even taking a swim in the collapsible pool. Prince Philip often set up an easel here to pursue his hobby of oil painting.
On formal state occasions, the Queen would host group photos here beside the oldest memento from a royal yacht, the 19th century carved white and gold binnacle from the Royal George which sits just below the ship’s bell beneath the canopy.
While the yacht was underway, Junior Yachtsmen were assigned the task of daily scrubbing the two-inch thick teak deck with seawater, working in silence before 0800 so as not to be heard in the Royal living quarters located nearby.
Moreover, they were under strict orders in the event of encountering a Royal to look straight ahead in silence and at attention. They worked hat-less – thus being technically out of uniform – so that the Royals weren’t required to return their salutes. (Note the hat-less Yachtsman above.)
THE SUN LOUNGE
Thanks to its spectacular views overlooking the bow through the large picture windows directly behind the binnacle and the ship's bell, this was one of the Queen’s favorite spaces aboard Britannia.
Thanks to its spectacular views overlooking the bow through the large picture windows directly behind the binnacle and the ship's bell, this was one of the Queen’s favorite spaces aboard Britannia.
Her Majesty often breakfasted here as well as taking afternoon tea, sitting in wicker chairs purchased by Prince Philip during a 1959 visit to Hong Kong.
Wall panels display photos of former royal yachts as well as concealing the drinks cabinet shown here.
The oak cask (bottom left) dates from Queen Victoria’s reign. It was used on Britannia to provide the Yachtsmen’s daily ration of rum until 1970 when the Royal Navy’s long-standing practice was abolished.
Note the base of the mizzen mast which cuts right through the Sun Lounge.
Gangway leading from the Veranda Deck to the Royals' living quarters
Located on the Upper Deck between the two masts 12 to 19
THE QUEEN’S BEDROOM
Like all but the Royal Honeymoon Suite, the Queen’s has a single bed. She requested this to accommodate the linens that had come from Queen Victoria’s bedroom on her yacht, the Victoria and Albert. To the sheets were added her personal touches – a deep turnback and her personal monogram, “H.M. The Queen.” Above the bed is embroidered silk panel.
Both the Queen’s and Prince Philip’s quarters consist of two suites with an interconnecting door, each with its own bathroom.
The Queen’s personal staff numbered about 45 and on a typical cruise, they accounted for five tons of luggage. The Queen’s clothes, accessories and jewelry were stored in a Wardrobe Room under the watchful eye of her Majesty’s Dresser.
PRINCE PHILIP’S BEDROOM
Identical in layout to the Queen’s, Philip’s cabin has a distinctly more masculine décor. Like his wife, he preferred blankets to a duvet but without her deep turnback.
Philip's pillowcases are identical save for the lace borders, omitted at his request. Like all the single beds, his is a standard three-footer.
PRINCE PHILIP’S SITTING ROOM
This was used by both Princes Philip and Charles when he was aboard. It’s identical to the Queen’s but its teak paneled walls and red leather-topped desk convey a more masculine message.
Note the ship model above the desk – that’s the HMS Magpie, Philip’s first naval command. Both sitting rooms were connected to staff secretaries on the deck below and to each other. These telephones are identical to those used at Buckingham Palace.
THE QUEEN’S SITTING ROOM
Though referred to as a sitting room, this was really more of an office where Her Majesty conducted royal business. She worked here as though back in London, with pouches of official mail flown or shipped to her en route.
The sofa is from the HMS Vanguard used by her parents during a 1947 visit to South Africa. The light brackets are from the steamship Gothic.
THE HONEYMOON SUITE
This cabin is identical in layout and square footage to the Queen's and Prince Philip's bedrooms, but was available to other members of the Royal Family. This is the only double bed on the ship -- it was bought by Prince Charles for his honeymoon with Princess Diana. (Note their photo on the nightstand.) Later, this cabin served as a nursery for Princes William and Harry.
There are sixteen additional cabins on the decks below for various Royals and their guests as well as a VIP suite for high-ranking dignitaries. President Clinton and wife Hillary as well as President Reagan and wife Nancy called it their home while guests of the Queen.
Gangways and passageways leading to the VIP cabins below are richly carpeted and the bannisters finished in fine Mahogany, in contrast to those in the Officers and Crew quarters. Thus, Junior Yachtsmen were constantly aware of their precise location within the vessel.
PASSAGEWAY TO THE OFFICERS' WARDROOM ANTEROOM
THE WARDROOM ANTEROOM
This along with the Wardroom next door was the Officers' main recreational space -- a sort of "gentleman's club," off-limits to the rest of the crew. Here, they could watch television, listen to the radio or play games like the always highly- contested "Yacht Quizzes."
During the Queen's visit to Copenhagen in 1954, a small wooden monkey appeared on board. Thenceforth, he would mysteriously appear each day in a different part of the Wardroom. He's visible here hanging from the silver ship in the cabinet behind the bar. The ship is actually a salt cellar reputedly owned by the last Czar of Russia and given to the Officers of the Victoria and Albert by Queen Alexandra in 1906.
The Queen and Prince Philip or other Royals would sometimes join the Officers for drinks. Some of the photos displayed on these walls date back to Queen Victoria's reign. Another prized possession is the framed gold button near the doorway that reportedly came from the coat of Admiral Horatio Nelson, the father of the British Navy.
THE OFFICERS' WARDROOM
Britannia's nineteen officers would gather here daily for meals and a chance to socialize and unwind. Here is their dining table -- informal at breakfast and lunch but dinner dress was the traditional Naval uniform at sea, the "Red Sea Rig" -- white shirt, black pants, cummerbund and patent leather shoes. The walls are lined with photos of previous Royal Yachts, crews and skippers.
Britannia's nineteen officers would gather here daily for meals and a chance to socialize and unwind. Here is their dining table -- informal at breakfast and lunch but dinner dress was the traditional Naval uniform at sea, the "Red Sea Rig" -- white shirt, black pants, cummerbund and patent leather shoes. The walls are lined with photos of previous Royal Yachts, crews and skippers.
The Officers were served by Junior Yachtsmen (designated as Stewards) meals prepared in the Wardroom Galley, including vintage wines and spirits from the ship's wine cellar.
When the Royal Marines were aboard, the Band would often play during dinner. Meals followed a time-honored ritual -- during formal dinners an Officer would be chosen to say grace -- in rhyme. The meal would end with a toast to Her Majesty and the Band would play the National Anthem.
Following dessert, the "Youngest Unheard Officer" would deliver a wry and witty (hopefully) after-dinner speech.
A pigeon-hole box on one wall would store the Officers' napkins between meals as neatly as the signal flags we saw topside.
Petty Officers and Royal Marine Sergeants' Mess at numbers 65 and 66
THE PETTY OFFICERS' AND ROYAL MARINE SERGEANTS' MESS
Rank aboard Britannia was clearly defined and scrupulously observed. The Petty Officers and Royal Marine Sergeants were midway down the pecking order.
The word Mess refers to living quarters -- with their sleeping area adjoining. Friendliness was the byword in this Mess, with hospitality generously offered to all.
An invitation to join someone here for a drink was highly sought after, especially among Buckingham Palace staff that accompanied the Queen. Like the Officers' Wardroom, the walls here are replete with photos of the Royal Family, many personally inscribed.
During the Queen's annual Western Isle cruise to Scotland, protocol was relaxed and many of the Royals, including Her Majesty, would visit the Mess.
Over Twenty Petty Officers served aboard -- from radiomen to marine engineers, stewards and cooks. The Royal Marine Sergeants attended to security ashore and served in the Royal Band.
Accommodations for each man consisted of a bunk which folded into a seat for use during the day -- cramped at best, but a vast improvement over the hammocks which were standard until the ship's refurbishing in 1970.
THE ROYAL MARINES' BARRACKS AND NAAFI
SHOP
This was the Royal Marines' Mess -- referred to as the "Barracks."
Charged with protecting the Queen, the Marines acted as ceremonial guards and sentries when she was aboard and doubled as orderlies when needed. (Scotland Yard provided added security during visits ashore.)
A Marine served as the ship's butcher and another as her postman. Several were trained SCUBA divers, charged with examining the vessel's hull for hidden explosives.
But they are probably best known for their Royal Marines Band Service aboard and during official port visits. The Band was able to play the national anthem of each country Britannia visited along with a vast repertoire of semi-classical and classical charts.
They played at all state dinners and official functions, carrying as many as 26 separate uniforms to comply with traditional royal protocol.
The NAAFI Shop was stocked with everything from toothpaste to tobacco as well as souvenirs unique to the Britannia such as tie, t-shirts, crystal and cut glass, pens and plaques all bearing the Royal Coat-of-Arms and Britannia's cypher. Even members of the Royal Family shopped here -- Princess Diana once perchased a pale blue Britannia t-shirt for Prince William who, along with brother Prince Harry, were allowed to visit the shop for sweets.
The Yachtsmen and Royal Marines shared common washroom facilities with Britannia's officers -- except, of course, for the Admiral who rated his own.
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THE DRAWING ROOM ANTEROOM
This is where the Royals and their guests would gather for drinks before lunch or dinner served by the Royal Steward from the corner pantry.
Located in the stern, numbered 7 and 8.
Throughout these rooms, there is a combination of furniture from the Royal Yacht Victoria and Albert kept impeccably clean and polished by the crew.
This ship model is a Sterling Silver replica of the HMS Thunderer, a gift to the Queen from the Royal Navy Engineering College.
When Britannia was being fitted out, the interior designer chosen by the Queen was Hugh Casson, later knighted for his efforts.
THE STATE DINING ROOM
This is the largest and grandest room on Britannia where the Royals entertained their guests that included over the years, Winston Churchill, Mahatma Ghandi, Nelson Mandela, Boris Yeltsin, Margaret Thatcher, Bill Clinton, Ronald Reagan and Bob Hope.
This is the largest and grandest room on Britannia where the Royals entertained their guests that included over the years, Winston Churchill, Mahatma Ghandi, Nelson Mandela, Boris Yeltsin, Margaret Thatcher, Bill Clinton, Ronald Reagan and Bob Hope.
Located amidships below the Royals living quarters number 20 and 21
It took the ship's Stewards about three hours to set the fifty-six places for a state dinner, the position of each utensil meticulously measured with a ruler. Personally embossed menus printed in French were given to each guest as a souvenir.
This dining room also doubled as a cinema, the large white panels at each end hinging back to reveal a film projector. The silver-grey wool carpet could be rolled back to expose a polished teak dance floor underneath. It was last used during Princess Anne's 21st birthday celebration.
Sick Bay and Surgery located at numbers 54, 55 and 56
SICK BAY AND OPERATING THEATER
The Sick Bay and Operating Theater are seen here as they were originally fitted out in 1953. The Bay could accommodate two patients in the bunks and two more on bunks contained within the bench seat.
Here, the ship's Medical Officer was in charge assisted by two Chief Petty Officers, one in charge of the Sick Bay and the other a physiotherapist. The Chief Petty Officer would attend to his patients from this nurse's station.
This was the Doctor's consulting room -- here, he looked after the Officers and Yachtsmen. When the Queen was aboard, she was attended to by the Royal Surgeon.
Below is the Operating Theater, equipped to handle most medical emergencies on board. The ship was designed to serve not only as an official royal residence but also as a hospital ship in wartime complete with a dental surgery, laboratory, operating theater and X-Ray room.
It was estimated that the ship could be converted within 24 hours and accommodate 2oo casualties. It was never necessary and in 1992, the dual role for Britannia was abandoned. She would serve only as a royal residence.
Below is the Operating Theater, equipped to handle most medical emergencies on board. The ship was designed to serve not only as an official royal residence but also as a hospital ship in wartime complete with a dental surgery, laboratory, operating theater and X-Ray room.
It was estimated that the ship could be converted within 24 hours and accommodate 2oo casualties. It was never necessary and in 1992, the dual role for Britannia was abandoned. She would serve only as a royal residence.
THE LAUNDRY
Because Britannia was outfitted originally to act as a hospital ship should the need arise, she was the only vessel in the Royal Navy to have a laundry manned by her own crew.
When the yacht was on royal duty, her 240 Officers and Yachtsmen would be required to change uniforms up to six times daily. To keep them royally spiffy, the washing machines, dryers and steam presses were operated around the clock. Up to 600 shirts could pass through the washers and dryers in one day.
The eight Royal Yachtsmen led by a Chief Petty Officer who manned this equipment could be subjected to temperatures reaching 120 degrees (in tropical climates) and a decibel level exceeding that of the ship's engine room at full throttle.
Operated as a non-profit venture, there were charges for the completed laundry to offset expenses. A shirt was six pence to wash, dry and press and a tropical white uniform set the wearer back twenty-two pence. The items were delivered to each crew member's bunk or cabin.
Clothing of the Royal Family members aboard including the Queen's were also laundered here, but on alternate days and in water separate from that used for the crew. Overseeing the royal wash was Her Majesty's Dresser who maintained and stored the royal garments in the ship's Wardrobe Room.
On one memorable occasion, Her Majesty's laundry mysteriously turned a delicate shade of blue. After thorough investigation by the Laundry staff and Scotland Yard, the fabric's transformation was traced to a chemical reaction in the copper pipes which was remedied by adjusting the water's pH level.
The Main Turbine Engine Room is located at number 35
THE MAIN TURBINE ENGINE ROOM
Britannia was powered by two steam turbine engines which carried her over one million miles, once around the globe on average, every year of her life. The engines generated 12,000 horse power, capable of driving the yacht at a speed of 21 knots.
A crew of 80 engineers operated the engines, with eight Yachtsmen on duty in the Engine, Boiler and associated machinery rooms.
Two Foster-Wheeler D-Type boilers produced 75,000 pounds of steam which was recycled using a process known as the "closed feed system."
Fresh drinking water was converted from sea water through three evaporators which could produce 80 tons of water per day.
Fresh drinking water was converted from sea water through three evaporators which could produce 80 tons of water per day.
Britannia operated on 220 direct current produced by three steam generators, two used regularly and one back-up generator which had been re-fitted from HM Submarine Vampire, known affectionately on board as "Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang."
Upon the ship's decommissioning in 1997, it was believed to be the oldest operating diesel engine in the world.
Upon the ship's decommissioning in 1997, it was believed to be the oldest operating diesel engine in the world.
This concludes our tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia. We hope you enjoyed the relatively short but colorful history of what may be the last in a long and distinguished line of royal yachts. Please recommend this site to your friends -- we believe it is the most complete and accurate display of the vessel available anywhere on the web.
When visiting Scotland, you're invited to tour the yacht yourself as your admission will be applied to the considerable costs of maintaining Britannia in her present pristine condition. Any comments or questions you have regarding the yacht will be forwarded to the Royal Yacht Britannia Trust which is now responsible for her care.
Thanks for visiting!
When visiting Scotland, you're invited to tour the yacht yourself as your admission will be applied to the considerable costs of maintaining Britannia in her present pristine condition. Any comments or questions you have regarding the yacht will be forwarded to the Royal Yacht Britannia Trust which is now responsible for her care.
Thanks for visiting!
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