Victoria and Albert [Osborne], HMY

Vessel summary.

the royal yacht victoria and albert

Description

first British steam-propelled royal yacht; The Queen and Prince Consort made considerable use of this yacht with over twenty voyages to ports around the UK as well as a couple of visits to the Continent. In 1854 the name was changed to 'Osborne' after Queen Victoria's country house on the Isle of Wight. The yacht remained in service until 1867 and was broken up the following year.

Related items

There are 9 items related to this vessel.

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the royal yacht victoria and albert

Symonds, William

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the royal yacht victoria and albert

Queen Victoria's Visit to Falmouth, 1 September 1843

the royal yacht victoria and albert

Her Majesty's Steam Yacht, the "Victoria and Albert"

the royal yacht victoria and albert

To Her Most Gracious Majesty This Print of the Royal Yacht "Victoria and Albert", at Spithead, Monday Augt. 28th, 1843

Related vessels.

the royal yacht victoria and albert

Osborne, HMY

Grace's Guide To British Industrial History

Grace's Guide is the leading source of historical information on industry and manufacturing in Britain. This web publication contains 163,763 pages of information and 245,953 images on early companies, their products and the people who designed and built them.

the royal yacht victoria and albert

Grace's Guide is the leading source of historical information on industry and manufacturing in Britain. This web publication contains 147,919 pages of information and 233,587 images on early companies, their products and the people who designed and built them.

Royal Yacht Victoria and Albert

the royal yacht victoria and albert

1843 The first Royal Yacht Victoria and Albert was launched at Pembroke powered by engines of 430 nominal horse-power by Maudslay, Sons and Field driving paddle-wheels, initially with considerable spread of sail as well.

After about twelve years' service she was retired from royal service and her name was changed to the Osborne (she was broken up in 1868).

1855 The Royal Yacht Victoria and Albert was built at Pembroke Dockyard, constructed of wood, and was propelled by paddle-wheels with machinery made by Messrs. Penn .

1897 A new royal yacht, also Victoria and Albert, was laid down at Pembroke Dockyard towards the end of 1897

1899 Named and launched by H.R.H. the Duchess of York. The vessel was constructed of steel to the design of Sir William White, Director of Naval Construction; engines and boilers were by Messrs. Humphrys and Tennant . After machinery trials the vessel was to be taken to Portsmouth, for decoration and furnishing Messrs. Waring for service in summer 1900.

Sources of Information

  • The Engineer 1899/05/12

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Tales from the Supply Depot

Collecting british empire militaria, photograph of hmy victoria and albert.

skmbt_c36416120815480_0001-copy

Victoria and Albert was commissioned at Portsmouth 23 July 1901 by Commodore the Hon. Hedworth Lambton, who hoisted his broad pennant. Nearly all the ship’s company of 230 men of the old HMY Victoria and Albert II were transferred to the new yacht, which with an additional 100 men had a total ship’s company of 336.

King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra visited their new yacht in early August 1901, and used it for the first time when crossing the English Channel 9 August 1901 to attend the funeral in Germany of the King’s sister, Empress Frederick.

King Edward later used the yacht for summer cruises most years of his reign, visiting various countries in Europe.

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Royal Yacht Britannia

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The Royal Yacht Britannia, Ocean Drive, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6JJ

Tel: 0131 555 5566 Email us: [email protected]

The Royal Yacht Britannia is scheduled to be closed 7 – 10 October for planned building works out with our control

Royal Yacht Britannia

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Britannia was the first Royal Yacht to be built with complete ocean-going capacity and designed as a Royal residence to entertain guests around the world. When she was decommissioned in 1997, it marked the end of a long tradition of British Royal Yachts, dating back to 1660 and the reign of Charles II.

There is additional information about Britannia's specifications and construction contained in the technical paper .

VICTORIA & ALBERT III

Britannia's predecessor was the Victoria & Albert III - the first Royal Yacht not to be powered by sail. It was built for Queen Victoria, but she never stepped on board, concerned about the yacht's stability. King Edward VII did sail on the Victoria & Albert, mainly in local waters and the Mediterranean. Having served four sovereigns over 38 years and not left Northern Europe since 1911, the Victoria & Albert was decommissioned in 1939. She was eventually broken up for scrap at Faslane in 1954

Royal Yacht Britannia Black and White

THE LAST ROYAL YACHT

It was decided that a new Royal Yacht should be commissioned that could travel the globe and double as a hospital ship in time of war. It was also hoped a convalescence cruise would help the King's ailing health. The John Brown & Co shipyard in Clydebank received the order from the Admiralty for a new ship on 4 February, 1952. Sadly King George VI passed away two days later. Not only did Queen Elizabeth II now have to prepare for her new role, but she also had responsibility for the commissioning of the new Royal Yacht.

Royal Yacht Britannia Video

BUILT IN SCOTLAND

John Brown & Co was one of the most famous shipyards in the world, having built the famous liners Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary. The keel of the new, as yet unnamed, Royal Yacht was laid down in June 1952. One of the last fully-riveted ships to be built with a remarkably smooth painted hull, she was finally ready to be launched on 16 April, 1953. The ship's name was a closely guarded secret, only being revealed when Queen Elizabeth II smashed a bottle of Empire wine (Champagne was considered too extravagant in post-war Britain) and announced to the expectant crowds "I name this ship Britannia… I wish success to her and all who sail in her". You can read more about getting Britannia ready for Royal service by downloading Letters from a Fish to his Admiral (below), a series of notes and letters written by Acting Captain J S Dalglish, the Officer in charge of commissioning Britannia. John Brown continued as a shipyard until they sadly closed in 2001.

the royal yacht victoria and albert

BRITANNIA COMMISSIONED

After the launch, Britannia's building work continued as her funnel and masts were installed, before beginning sea trials on 3 November 1953 off the West Coast of Scotland. On successful completion, she was commissioned into the Royal Navy on 11 January 1954. On 22 April, Britannia sailed into her first overseas port as she entered Grand Harbour, Malta. During 44 years in Royal service Britannia sailed the equivalent of once round the world for each year, calling at over 600 ports in 135 countries, including the United States of America, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

Building of Yacht - Royal Yacht Britannia 9

ROYAL HONEYMOONS

Britannia was an ideal Royal honeymoon venue. The Royal Yacht was very private and could sail to secluded locations. Four Royal honeymoons were enjoyed on board, Princess Margaret and Anthony Armstrong-Jones being the first in 1960.

Princess Margaret returns from her honeymoon

THE FIRST DAY AT SEA

As well as hosting state functions, Britannia was an ambassador for British business, promoting trade and industry around the globe. These British overseas trade missions were known as ‘Sea Days’ and an invitation to come aboard proved irresistible to the world’s leading business and political figures. The Overseas Trade Board estimated that £3 billion was made for the Exchequer as a result of commercial days on Britannia between 1991 and 1995 alone.

Commonwealth Heads Of Government taken on Britannia's Verandah Deck

EVACUATION OF ADEN, SOUTH YEMEN

At 20:00 on 17 January 1986, the Yacht dropped anchor at Khormaksar Beach. Civil war had broken out in South Yemen and ships were urgently required to evacuate British nationals and others trapped by fighting. As a non-combatant Royal Navy ship, Britannia would be able to enter territorial waters without further inflaming the conflict.

Royal Yacht Britannia Black and White

DECOMMISSION

"Looking back over forty-four years we can all reflect with pride and gratitude upon this great ship which has served the country, the Royal Navy and my family with such distinction." - Queen Elizabeth II. View the entire Paying-Off Ceremony letter below.

Royal Family RYB

OPENED AS A VISITOR ATTRACTION

After arriving in Leith, Edinburgh on 5 May 1998, The Royal Yacht Britannia opened as a visitor attraction on the 19 October 1998.

the royal yacht victoria and albert

BRITANNIA WELCOMED 5 MILLION VISITORS

The Royal Yacht Britannia, now a five-star visitor attraction and exclusive evening events venue, celebrated welcoming 5 million visitors since opening in 1998.

the royal yacht victoria and albert

OUR LUXURY FLOATING HOTEL, FINGAL, OPENED

In January 2019, our luxury floating hotel Fingal opened to the public. Fingal, a former Northern Lighthouse Board tender, had undergone a £5 million development to become a 22 cabin five-star floating hotel, berthed moments away from Britannia. In September 2023, Fingal was awarded AA Hotel of the Year Scotland.

Fingal Edinburgh - Exteriors 2

TRIPADVISOR'S NO.1 UK ATTRACTION 2023

The Royal Yacht Britannia was voted Tripadvisor's No.1 UK Attraction 2023. What a wonderful accolade for our team who passionately provide a five-star customer experience to ensure each and every visitor has a memorable time on board. Britannia had previously been awarded this prestigious accolade in 2014.

Royal Yacht Britannia Bell

CELEBRATING BRITANNIA'S 25 YEARS

19 October 2023 marks 25 wonderful years since Britannia opened to the public as a visitor attraction. During this time we have welcomed over 7 million visitors, a brilliant milestone to mark the occasion. We thank each and every visitor who has stepped aboard and look forward to welcoming many more to share our history.

Royal Yacht Britannia - Exteriors 8

Visiting Britannia

TRIPADVISOR'S NO.1 UK ATTRACTION 2023 - 2024

the royal yacht victoria and albert

The Royal Yacht Britannia is scheduled to be closed 7 – 10 October for planned building works out with our control.

Click on the Visit page  for more information before you visit.

Step aboard to enjoy a great day out!

Fingal Hotel

Get away from the everyday aboard Britannia’s sister ship, Fingal.  Extend your visit with a stay in one of Fingal’s luxurious cabins, your own oasis by the sea. 

TRIPADVISOR'S NO.1 UK LUXURY HOTEL TRIPADVISOR'S NO.1 UK SMALL & BOUTIQUE HOTEL AA Hotel of the Year Scotland, AA five-star hotel and 2 AA Rosettes

the royal yacht victoria and albert

Learn more: fingal.co.uk

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  • Maritime incidents in June 1859

HMY Victoria and Albert (1855)

HMY Victoria and Albert (1855)
HMY Victoria and Albert II 1855 William Frederick Mitchell.jpg by
Career
Name: HMY
Namesake: and
Launched: 16 January 1855
Fate: Scrapped, c.1904
General characteristics
Type: Royal yacht
Tonnage: 2470
Length: 360 ft (110 m)
Propulsion: Steam engine Twin paddles
Speed: 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph)
Complement: 240

HMY Victoria and Albert , a 360-foot (110 m) steamer launched 16 January 1855, was a royal yacht of the sovereign of the United Kingdom until 1900, owned and operated by the Royal Navy . Of 2,470 tons, the yacht could make 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph) on her paddles. There were 240 crew.

Queen Victoria and Sultan Abdülaziz

Victoria Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and Abdulaziz, emperor of the Ottoman Empire on the Royal yacht during the Sultan's official visit , 1867, by George Housman Thomas , depicting the Sultan's official visit to United Kingdom .

  • 2 Notable commanding officers
  • 4 References
  • 5 External links

On 3 June 1859, Victoria and Albert ran aground in the Scheldt whilst on a voyage from Gravesend, Kent to Antwerp, Belgium. [1]

The ship was used by Prince Arthur on the occasion of his visit to Heligoland in 1872. [2]

Victoria and Albert was scrapped in about 1904.

  El Horria was built to the same specifications for Isma'il Pasha , the Khedive of Egypt in 1865 and survives today, although much altered.

Notable commanding officers [ ]

  • John Fullerton , appointed 1884 [3]
  • John Denison , appointed 1893 [4]
  • ↑ Republic of Égyptien Q42 user:mgbtrust0 ®™✓©§∆∆∆€¢£ (6 June 1859). " Error: no |title= specified when using {{ Cite web }} ".  
  • ↑ Rüger, p68
  • ↑ The Navy List (1891), p. 264
  • ↑ David Gagan (1973). The Denison Family of Toronto: 1792-1925 . University of Toronto Press. p.  42 . ISBN  9781487597368 . https://archive.org/details/denisonfamilyoft0000gaga . "george."  

References [ ]

  • Rüger, Jan (2017) Heligoland: Britain, Germany and the Struggle for the North Sea Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-967246-2 .

External links [ ]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to .
 *  *  *  * *  *  * *
  • 1 List of aircraft of the Malaysian Armed Forces

An image showing ''Victoria and Albert' - port broadside'

Victoria and Albert (1843); Royal/ceremonial vessel; Yacht; Paddle

For more information about using images from our Collection, please contact RMG Images .

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ID: SLR0235
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Date made: 1843-1851; 1843-51
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Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London.
Measurements: Overall model: 394 x 1430 x 371 mm; Base: 125 x 1438 x 266 mm

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Category : HMY Victoria and Albert (ship, 1843)

 
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Media in category "HMY Victoria and Albert (ship, 1843)"

The following 22 files are in this category, out of 22 total.

the royal yacht victoria and albert

  • Royal yachts of the United Kingdom
  • Steam yachts
  • Ships built in 1843
  • Ships scrapped in 1868
  • Naval ships of the United Kingdom by name
  • Ships named Victoria and Albert
  • Uses of Wikidata Infobox
  • Ships by name (flat list)

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IMAGES

  1. The Royal Yacht HMY Victoria and Albert III, at anchor in Portsmouth

    the royal yacht victoria and albert

  2. The Royal Yacht 'Victoria and Albert' Leading the Fleet off Weymouth

    the royal yacht victoria and albert

  3. On board the royal yacht Victoria and Albert III, 1908.Artist: Queen

    the royal yacht victoria and albert

  4. The Royal Yacht Victoria and Albert

    the royal yacht victoria and albert

  5. On board the royal yacht Victoria and Albert III, Christiania (Oslo

    the royal yacht victoria and albert

  6. Real Photo The Royal Yacht Victoria And Albert Postcard (S12169) on

    the royal yacht victoria and albert

VIDEO

  1. Motor Yacht VICTORIA DEL MAR. A Few Waves

  2. Victoria RC yacht re-christened, the JEM sails again, GoPro on board

  3. Victoria to Ucluelet via Sooke and the Broken Islands

  4. EP09 Launching Pintail, a Victoria 34 at Medway Yacht Club

COMMENTS

  1. HMY Victoria and Albert (1899)

    HMY Victoria and Albert was a royal yacht of the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom.The yacht was designed by the Chief Constructor of the Royal Navy Sir William White, launched in 1899 and ready for service in 1901.This was the third yacht to be named Victoria and Albert and she was fitted with steam engines fired by Belleville water-tube boilers. She served four sovereigns, and was ...

  2. HMY Victoria and Albert

    Three British Royal Yachts have been named HMY Victoria and Albert after the British Monarch and her husband: HMY Victoria and Albert (1843) was a twin paddle steamer launched 25 April 1843, later renamed Osborne. HMY Victoria and Albert (1855), a 360-foot steamer launched 16 January 1855. HMY Victoria and Albert (1899) completed in 1901.

  3. HMY Victoria and Albert (1855)

    HMY Victoria and Albert, a 360-foot (110 m) steamer launched on 16 January 1855, was a royal yacht of the sovereign of the United Kingdom until 1900, owned and operated by the Royal Navy.She displaced 2,390 tons, [1] and could make 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph) on her paddles. There were 240 crew. Victoria Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and Abdulaziz, emperor of the ...

  4. Victoria and Albert [Osborne], HMY

    first British steam-propelled royal yacht; The Queen and Prince Consort made considerable use of this yacht with over twenty voyages to ports around the UK as well as a couple of visits to the Continent. In 1854 the name was changed to 'Osborne' after Queen Victoria's country house on the Isle of Wight. The yacht remained in service until 1867 and was broken up the following year.

  5. H.M.Y. Victoria and Albert (1899)

    H.M.Y. Victoria and Albert was the third royal yacht to bear that name. Contents. 1 Service; 2 Captains; 3 See Also; 4 Footnotes; Service. Recommissioned 17 June, 1919. Captains. Dates of appointment given: Captain The Hon. Hedworth Lambton, 1 April, 1901 (as Commodore, Second Class)

  6. Interior of the Royal Yacht, Victoria and Albert II: the Dining Saloon

    dated 1864. RCIN 920293. From the time of Charles II Royal Yachts had effectively functioned as 'floating State Apartments' with lavish rooms decorated for royal comfort and ceremony. However, when the Victoria and Albert II was built, Queen Victoria hoped it might also feel like a 'home from home'. She spurned the gilt and ornately carved ...

  7. The Commander's Boat's Crew, Royal Yacht 'Victoria & Albert'

    Description. Photograph of eight men and nine Ship's Boys on board the Royal Yacht 'Victoria & Albert'. The portrait includes J. Grant (Quartermaster) and Leach (Master at Arms), on the far right, holding his hat. The younger men appear to be engaged in various types of rope work. The Union flag hangs in the background.

  8. Royal Yacht Victoria and Albert

    1855 The Royal Yacht Victoria and Albert was built at Pembroke Dockyard, constructed of wood, and was propelled by paddle-wheels with machinery made by Messrs. Penn. 1897 A new royal yacht, also Victoria and Albert, was laid down at Pembroke Dockyard towards the end of 1897. 1899 Named and launched by H.R.H. the Duchess of York.

  9. Charting the course for Queen Victoria's Royal Yacht

    A chart case from the Her Majesty's Yacht Victoria and Albert (II), containing 284 charts, covering the entire globe, and demonstrating The British Admiralty...

  10. Photograph of HMY Victoria and Albert

    This week's photograph is of HMY Victoria and Albert: This royal yacht was the predecessor of HMY Britannia and served from 1901 throughout the reigns of Edward VII, George V and George VI. Built at Pembroke Dock and launched in 1899, she was completed in the summer 1901, seven months after the death of Queen Victoria.

  11. The History of The Royal Yacht Britannia

    Britannia's predecessor was the Victoria & Albert III - the first Royal Yacht not to be powered by sail. It was built for Queen Victoria, but she never stepped on board, concerned about the yacht's stability. King Edward VII did sail on the Victoria & Albert, mainly in local waters and the Mediterranean. Having served four sovereigns over 38 ...

  12. Category : HMY Victoria and Albert II (ship, 1855)

    The Naval Review at Spithead, the Shah in the Royal Yacht 'Victoria and Albert' inspecting the Fleet - The Graphic 1873.jpg 1,024 × 702; 210 KB. The Passing of a Great Queen.jpg 1,000 × 710; 541 KB. The Royal Yacht off Margate, Night of March 5th 1863 RMG PU6574.tiff 4,800 × 3,535; 48.55 MB.

  13. HMY Victoria and Albert (1843)

    HMY Victoria and Albert was a twin-paddle steamer launched 25 April 1843. She functioned as a royal yacht of the sovereign of the United Kingdom, owned and operated by the Royal Navy, and was the first of three royal yachts to be named Victoria and Albert.She was laid down in 1842 at Pembroke Dock and was designed by William Symonds.She measured 1,034 tons burthen, carried two guns, and was ...

  14. Royal Yacht Britannia History: When Did The Queen Retire The Royal

    Meeting between King Louis Philippe I and Queen Victoria aboard the Royal yacht Victoria and Albert, on September 2, 1843, painted in 1845 by Francois-Auguste Biard (Photo by M. Seemuller / De Agostini Picture Library via Getty Images) While these vessels became a time-honoured tradition, they also moved with the times.

  15. PDF The Royal Yacht Victoria & Albert II

    When the ship was launched by Lady Milford on Tuesday 16th January 1855 her name had been changed to Victoria and Albert, and she was commissioned on 3rd March the same year. The Royal Yacht had a length of 300 feet, beam of 40 feet 3 inches, a draught of 16 feet 3 inches and displaced 2470 tons. The two wooden paddles which propelled her were ...

  16. Royal yacht Victoria & Albert (1855)

    Royal yacht Victoria & Albert (1855) Scale 1:48. Plan shows the hold and sections of the royal yacht Victoria & Albert (1855). The drawing bears the signature of Henry Cradock [Master Shipwright at Portsmouth Dockyard 1862-1869]. There are tears on the right hand edge of the drawing.

  17. HMY Victoria and Albert (1899)

    HMY Victoria and Albert was a royal yacht of the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom.The yacht was designed by the Chief Constructor of the Royal Navy Sir William White, launched in 1899 and ready for service in 1901.This was the third yacht to be named Victoria and Albert and she was fitted with steam engines fired by Belleville water-tube boilers. She served four sovereigns, and was ...

  18. HMY Victoria and Albert (1855)

    HMY Victoria and Albert, a 360-foot (110 m) steamer launched 16 January 1855, was a royal yacht of the sovereign of the United Kingdom until 1900, owned and operated by the Royal Navy.Of 2,470 tons, the yacht could make 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph) on her paddles. There were 240 crew. Victoria Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and Abdulaziz, emperor of the Ottoman Empire ...

  19. HMY Alberta

    HMY Alberta was a royal yacht of the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom.She was built by Pembroke Dock and launched in 1863.. Built as a tender to the larger royal yacht HMY Victoria and Albert, Alberta made a number of voyages carrying Queen Victoria and other members of her royal family. She was particularly used after the acquisition of Osborne House on the Isle of Wight as a summer home, and ...

  20. HMY Victoria and Albert (1899)

    Royal yacht HMY Victoria and Albert, the third ship of the Royal Navy to carry the name, was built in 1899 in Pembroke Dock, Wales. She was commissioned at Portsmouth shortly after Queen Victoria's death in 1901, becoming the official royal yacht of King Edward VII. A beautiful ship, the splendor of her elegant lines and opulent furnishings ...

  21. Victoria and Albert (1843); Royal/ceremonial vessel; Yacht; Paddle

    The 'Victoria and Albert' was the first British steam-propelled royal yacht. Designed by Sir William Symonds, Chief Surveyor of the Navy, it had a wooden hull and measured 200 feet in length by 33 feet in the beam with a tonnage of 1034 builder's measurement. Launched at Pembroke dock on 26th April 1843, it was propelled by a twin set of ...

  22. Category : HMY Victoria and Albert (ship, 1843)

    August 1853 in front of Queen Victoria on the Royal Yacht 'Victoria and Albert I'.jpg 2,400 × 1,458; 578 KB The America Schooner, 170 Tons, winning the Royal Yacht Squadron Cup and passing the Victoria and Albert off the Needles, Friday August 22nd 1851 RMG PY0478.tiff 4,800 × 4,160; 57.13 MB

  23. List of royal yachts of the United Kingdom

    There have been 83 royal yachts of the monarchy of the United Kingdom since the restoration of the monarchy in 1660. [1]Charles II had 25 royal yachts, [2] while five were simultaneously in service in 1831. [3]Merchantmen or warships have occasionally been chartered or assigned for special duty as a temporary royal yacht, for example the steamship Ophir in 1901 and the battleship HMS Vanguard ...