HMY BRITANNIA - THE FINAL WESTERN ISLES CRUISE 1997

This final Western Isles cruise ran from 7-19th August 1997 and included visits around Arran, Port Askaig, Loch Tarbert, Ross of Mull, Colonsay, the Isle of Rhum, and Berneray Sound; and visits to Scrabster and Aberdeen from where the Royal Party disembarked. The watercolour, painted by Commander Rupert Head who was serving onboard as Commander (S) and Secretary to The Commodore Royal Yachts, Commodore Anthony Morrow, shows BRITANNIA on passage between Colonsay and Jura early on the morning of 10th August 1997.

BRITANNIA then returned to Portsmouth to give summer leave and undertake essential maintenance before again resuming Royal Duty in October with The Princess Royal embarking at Plymouth. From then until her final return to Portsmouth on 22nd November BRITANNIA was almost continuously on Royal Duty; and on 11th December the Queen, Prince Philip and many members of the Royal Family visited the Royal Yacht for the last time when she Paid-off in Portsmouth.