WATCH: Crowds come out in force for HMS Queen Elizabeth’s Portsmouth homecoming

Crowds gathered along the Portsmouth shoreline to witness the return of HMS Queen Elizabeth, the UK’s largest aircraft carrier, as it arrived back to its home of Portsmouth Naval Base.

The HMS Queen Elizabeth returned to Portsmouth after its maiden voyage to the United States for four months of flight trials.

Crowds gathering along Gunwharf Quays

Groups of families and friends waited in excitement for the ship’s arrival, hoping to catch a glimpse of loved ones returning after months of hard work, while Portsmouth residents came to see the famous ship come home.

Susan Laidlaw had travelled from Inverness to welcome the return of her son. She said: ‘We’re proud of him, proud of the navy. It is really important for their morale.’

Margaret Earnshaw, of Gunwharf, spoke of the exciting developments in Portsmouth: ‘We only came to live here in March and all these wonderful things are happening here, we’ve got to support them.

‘I have connections in the navy. I have seen it on the TV and to say we were there to see it is exciting.’

Margaret Earnshaw and her husband, Don, who were awaiting the ships arrival at their home in Gunwharf Quays.

Residents also praised the history of the navy and its importance to recognise events like this in the city.

Valerie Cope, of Gosport, said: ‘I think our navy is very important. It’s our heritage.

‘We should always support them, all our services. My father was in the navy so it means a lot to me.’

The HMS Queen Elizabeth making its journey through the Portsmouth Dockyard

The HMS Queen Elizabeth’s social media team praised the support they received on their arrival, describing it as ‘hearty cheers from our families, friends and wellwishers’.