The King has visited the Royal Navy at sea and spoken of his ”heartfelt gratitude”.

King Charles III boarded the HMS Prince of Wales – the first time a reigning Monarch has visited a Royal Navy warship at sea.

The ship is making final preparations for a major global deployment later this spring. It will sail towards Japan on a mission aimed at deepening the UK’s defence partnerships. It will also promote security and stability.

His Majesty flew out to the ship to meet serving Royal Navy and Royal Air Force personnel.

The King also spoke of his thanks as he addressed the ship’s company, erfsaying ”I just wanted to express, on behalf of the nation, my heartfelt gratitude for the extraordinarily valuable contributions and personal sacrifices that you and your families continue to make in the name of duty.”

The visit also saw The King, who is Honorary Commodore-in-Chief Aircraft Carriers, watch F-35B aircraft conducting deck landing exercises.

It came soon after the Royal Family announced the Duchess of Edinburgh had visited troops at Warcop Training Centre in Cumbria in her role as Royal Colonel of The Queen’s Own Yeomanry.

The Duchess met reservists to find out more about their role.