The ship was due to welcome 10,000 viewers over the course of the weekend but due to adverse conditions the plans have been changed
Thousands of ticketholders are ‘gutted’ after the HMS Prince of Wales was forced to cancel Saturday’s event due to adverse weather conditions. The Royal Navy ship arrived in Liverpool on Sunday, December 1, a day earlier than planned after the weather forced the crew to alter the planned arrival date in the city.
And now adverse weather has prompted another change to the itinerary for her visit, with all public visits cancelled on Saturday, December 7. The ship was intended to welcome 10,000 visitors over the course of the weekend for a sold-out series of open sessions where members of the public would be invited on board to learn more about the vessel.
In a statement posted to the official HMS Prince of Wales account, the crew said: “UPDATE – Due to an Amber weather warning for strong winds, public viewing of HMS Prince of Wales has been cancelled for Saturday 7 December. The Royal Navy, along with Global Ports and Liverpool Council sincerely apologise for any inconvenience – your safety remains our top priority. Tickets are non-transferable and alternative dates are unavailable due to the ship’s schedule. Public viewing on Sunday is currently still scheduled to go ahead. For all FAQs regarding ticket cancellations, please visit our website.”
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Yesterday, Liverpool Council said HMS Prince of Wales would be ‘monitoring’ the situation regarding the weather after the Met Office issued a series of warnings for the region. Forecasters previously issued a yellow weather warning which is in place from 3pm today, Thursday, December 5, to Sunday, December 8.
However, in an update, the Met Office has issued a “danger to life” amber weather warning for wind. This is in place from 3am on Saturday, December 7 and 9pm on Saturday, December 7. It comes as Storm Darragh moves from west to east. The Met Office said: “Gusts of 70 to 80mph are likely around exposed coasts and headlands, where some very large waves are likely, whilst gusts of 60 to 70mph are likely inland. The strongest winds will ease from the west through the afternoon.”
The HMS Prince of Wales arrived in Liverpool a day early on Sunday, December 1, after adverse weather conditions forced the crew to amend their schedule for the visit. She will remain in the city until Monday, December 9. A spokesman for Liverpool Council said ticketholders will be contacted if any changes are made to the current plans.
Ticketholders took to social media to express their disappointment over the cancellations. Jamie McKenzie said: “Gutted. Waited years to go on board. Had tickets for Saturday as well.”
Another ticketholder said: “Gutted. Got a rental car and hotel booked. Understandable though, with the forecast, can’t be helped. Thanks for offering the opportunity anyway.”
Despite tomorrow’s cancellations, the Freedom Parade went ahead as planned in the city centre today. Hundreds of sailors marched through Liverpool city centre as the ship celebrated her ties with the city, when the ship was awarded the Freedom of Liverpool at a special service during her stay in Merseyside today.
Hymns, readings and prayers from the Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside, Mark Blundell, and the vessel’s commanding officer, Captain Will Blackett RN, were followed by a march through the city centre by around 800 of the ship’s sailors.
During her time in Liverpool, the vessel has been celebrating her ties with the city by renaming one of the main passageways aboard after The Beatles’ classic Penny Lane. Photos from today’s event show the Freedom Parade across the city as people celebrate HMS Prince of Wales.
