Sailors expressed pride and surprise at meeting the King, with many calling it the proudest day of their lives, highlighting the positive impact of his visit on crew morale.

The King, an experienced pilot with a history of flying to aircraft carriers, shared personal stories from his military service, connecting with the crew over shared experiences.

On March 4, 2025, King Charles III made history by boarding HMS Prince of Wales, marking the first visit by a reigning monarch to a Royal Navy warship in active training in nearly 40 years.

This mission is part of the UK’s strategic 'tilt' towards the Indo-Pacific, aimed at countering threats and strengthening defense partnerships.

This visit is particularly significant as the last monarch to visit a Royal Navy warship at sea was Queen Elizabeth II in 1982, underscoring King Charles' support for the Armed Forces.

HMS Prince of Wales is preparing for a major eight-month global deployment to the Indo-Pacific, which includes a mission to Japan, set to commence in spring 2025.

Experts view this deployment as crucial for Britain's naval power, especially in light of increasing military activity from China in the South China Sea.

The King's visit took place in the English Channel, where the carrier is currently operating, and he arrived via a Royal Navy Merlin helicopter.

During his visit, King Charles, as the Honorary Commodore-in-Chief Aircraft Carriers, expressed gratitude to Royal Navy and Royal Air Force personnel for their service.

At 76 years old, King Charles became monarch in September 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

This visit follows a royal tradition, echoing Queen Elizabeth II's past engagement with naval forces, as she visited HMS Queen Elizabeth in 2021 before its deployment.

HMS Prince of Wales, the Royal Navy's largest ship, is capable of carrying around 700 personnel and will lead a carrier strike group during its deployment.