Former Royal Yacht Britannia
Jacqueline O' Sullivan takes a peek at a royal lifestyle when she visits the former Royal Yacht Britannia in the vessel's Scottish resting place.
Since the Royal Yacht
Britannia was decommissioned and berthed at her
final resting place on Edinburgh's Leith Docks
last October, over 460,000 people have boarded
the royal family's former sea-faring home.
Prince Charles and Princess Diana honeymooned on the vessel in the Mediterranean, as did three other royal couples, (Princess Margaret and Anthony Armstrong Jones, Princess Anne and Captain Mark Philips, as well as the Duke and Duchess of York). The chance to peer into the premises is not to be missed.
Welcoming the Queen on board was no easy task. For each state visit the royal family brought with them five tonnes of luggage - including Malvern water for the Queen's tea - and 45 members of the royal household to tend to their needs.
Knowing this, it is a surprise when you enter the ship's royal quarters which are remarkably spartan. But this was exactly what the Queen desired. The original plans were much more ornate, but Her Majesty rejected these proposals in favour of a more simple, "country-house" feel for her floating home.
The yacht was manned by 20 officers and 220 yachtsmen, and there were never any females to be found amongst their numbers. All the officers underwent a two-year tour of duty, as did half the crew. The remaining portion were permanently positioned on Britannia. For this honour they received no extra pay, allowances or leave.
On the 16th of April 1953, ship number 691 embarked upon her maiden voyage, setting out on the first of over a million miles she would sail, equivalent to once round the world for every year in operation. The world's royalty, presidents and other famous figures were to travel on this glorious vessel, which now provides a fascinating insight into the 'real' lives of our monarchy.
When you enter Britannia's visitor centre, it immediately becomes obvious that this is a new attraction. Everything is pristine and modern. The tour begins with a short introductory video, taking you through a brief overview of Britannia's history.
After the video you enter the visitor centre proper, where there is a selection of family and state pictures. After watching the Queen greet American leaders just seconds before in the video room, it is poignant to see photos of her casually laughing with the crew, or Princess Diana and her children relaxing by the ship's railings.
One of the tiny cabins - where six petty officers or sergeants would sleep on bunks which a Lilliputian would struggle to sleep in, never mind a strapping sailor - has been removed and reassembled in the visitor centre. On Britannia the crew would have lived in cramped conditions where they had little luxury and even less privacy. It was the only ship in the Royal Navy where the sailors were called by their first name.
However, a commission on Britannia was anything but plain sailing for the staff. Shouting was forbidden at all times to preserve the air of tranquillity that existed onboard. All orders were relayed by hand signal, and "red hot" notice boards were used if there were any last-minute orders to be posted. A commission on Britannia wasn't all glamour and glitz either. The sailors had to man a 24-hour laundry service where temperatures could climb above 120°C.
On a state visit to the Arabian Gulf in 1979 the Queen was presented with over £1 million of gifts, including a diamond-studded watch, huge natural pearls and a chain mail gold pinafore. Somehow, you can't quite imagine the Queen tottering around the palace kitchen in her gold "pinnie"!
After seeing round the visitor centre, it's time to pick up the audio tour handset and board the former royal yacht. The audio tour allows visitors to inspect the royal yacht at their own pace. It's easy to imagine yourself as a guest onboard as you are allowed to freely wander around the yacht, within the designated areas.
The audio tour begins on the flag deck - the highest part of the yacht. Looking down at the royal bridge - where many famous pictures of the royal family were taken - your attention is drawn to a mahogany bar in the middle of the deck. At first glance it appears to have no function, but the tape explains that this was here to preserve royal modesty in case a breeze lifted the ladies' skirts!
The senior officers' accommodation was located on the shelter deck. The Admiral's day cabin is the most spacious and comfortable room outside of the royal apartments. His sofa and armchairs were brought from the previous royal yacht, the Victoria and Albert III.
Nine admirals had the honour of serving on Britannia. They were responsible for a crew of 19 officers and 220 yachtsmen. When the Queen was on board, the Admiral dined in the royal quarters. However, when she was not present he could entertain guests in his own rooms.
Within the royal quarters there is a large deck where the royal family relaxed and played. One of the favourite games was deck hockey - and at least the royals didn't have to worry about knocking balls into the neighbours' property!
