Complex repairs for Navy's HMS Prince of Wales off Isle of Wight

Speculation online today suggests the £3 billion warship could soon move back into Portsmouth port, from its current spot near Ryde Pier.

Divers have now confirmed the starboard shaft coupling failed on Saturday, just a short time after HMS Prince of Wales's delayed departure, sailing past the Victorious Festival crowds at Southsea.

The spokesperson said: "We are assessing options for the delivery of Royal Navy outputs against current priorities and future commitments and will update in due course."

Read more:

• HMS Prince of Wales off Ryde Isle of Wight as navy issues update
• Royal Navy update on HMS Prince of Wales off Isle of Wight coast
• HMS Prince of Wales on move from Isle of Wight coast anchorage

HMS Prince of Wales off Ryde, on Wednesday.

Five facts about the HMS Prince of Wales 

• The HMS Prince of Wales is described by the Royal Navy as 'one of the most powerful surface warships ever constructed in the UK'.
• The flight deck is 70 metres wide and 280 metres long – the equivalent of three football pitches.
• The warship holds enough food for 45 days.
• Between 700 and 1,600 people are on the aircraft carrier.
• On board, 36 F-35B and four Merlin Helicopters can be made flight ready.

HMS Prince of Wales by Paul Horrocks.

What happens to HMS Prince of Wales now?

Industry experts think the huge aircraft carrier will need to be drydocked.

Since Saturday, August 27, it has been at anchor off the Isle of Wight - first off the coast of Sandown, before moving to The Solent, surrounded by tugs and a Portsmouth-registered pilot boat during its short journey. 

From on board the 65,000-tonne warship, on Monday, August 29, Rear Admiral Steve Moorhouse posted a video message.

Rear Admiral Steve Moorhouse @smrmoorhouse updates on the situation with @HMSPWLS: “I’ve been to the ship today to see for myself what the issue is and how we in the Royal Navy can work together to make sure that the ship can successfully return to her tasking.” pic.twitter.com/yU9ogHVQDt

— Royal Navy (@RoyalNavy) August 29, 2022

He said the repair schedule looked likely to impact the HMS Prince of Wales's mission - which included flight trials with F-35B Lightning jets after an Atlantic-crossing, for exercises with the US Navy, as well as the Royal Canadian Navy and United States Marine Corps.

• Read more: Victorious Festival organisers make 2023 announcement

HMS Prince of Wales spotted off Ryde, by Gemma Marsh.

Stops in New York, Halifax in Canada, and the Caribbean were expected.

Before HMS Prince of Wales's departure, Commanding Officer, Captain Richard Hewitt, said the USA trip would 'push the boundaries of UK carrier operations'.

Portsmouth-based sister-ship, HMS Queen Elizabeth, was due to deploy to the Mediterranean and Baltic.

Any change in plans would also impact frigate HMS Richmond, which left Plymouth last week and had been expected to accompany HMS Prince of Wales over the autumn.