HMY Britannia was an undoubted asset to the country as it brought so much foreign exchange in. Foreign businessmen and politicians were invited on board when the Yacht visited their countries, were wined & dined and met their British counterparts and struck deals, contracts etc. that earned this country vast sums.

And it showed the flag in foreign climes.

And it provided a secure base for the Royal Family abroad without having to carry out all the preparations now needed for them to stay ashore.

And...


I was lucky enough to visit the Yacht with my Cadedts when she came to Liverpool as part of her farewell tour. Predictably the whole ship was immaculate. Then we were shown the engine room. (She was one of the last three steam-powered surface vessels in the Royal Navy). Blue and white paint, gleaming brass and copper, shining steel - the works. Apparently when Ronald Reagan was shown round he asked to see the 'real' engine room too!