Brittania - Mark II

Well, if it were to be built here then there would be jobs and probably apprenticeships in ship-building

The vessel – which retired from service in 1997 – is estimated to have played a role in securing £3 billion-worth of trade deals between 1991 and 1995.
which would easily off-set the cost

Just a thought

A very valid one Jalima and worth serious thought.

Yes, that's a good point Jalima, not sure why younger members of the royal family should be able to have the use of it though.

Boris may hog it so perhaps they wouldn't be able to Smileless2012

Absolutely not. Infact the very thought of such a thing is obscene. If the royals want a luxury yacht then they should buy one and pay the ongoing running costs themselves .
Breath . In and out, in and out .

um er, it would not be so much a 'Royal Yacht' as a yacht to fly the British flag and secure trade deals for Britain.

Do not under-estimate the Royal Family's importance in that sphere gillybob, however much you hate them.
Not everyone out there in the wider world dislikes them as much as you say you do.

It's trade deals, trade deals, trade deals, and if HM fancies a couple of weeks holiday on there as a thank you for all the incoming business they have brought to the UK, that is perfectly OK by me.

Some RN personnel are very proud to have had a commission on the Yacht.

Absolutely not. I am indifferent to the Royal Family, do not hate them, but the thought of that pompous ass Andrew swanning around on a royal yacht in a pretence at gaining business deals is a sickening thought. I do not under-estimate the importance of the Royal family in the sphere of world business, but this is a step far too far. The kind of deals that are done with people who are impressed by being on a yacht of any kind are not the kind of deals we need anyway, unless you think that arms deals with the murderous Saudis are worth the cost of the yacht........and breathe......

I'm afraid in the real world, like it or not, they're exactly the sort of deals we need if we are to maintain all the social amenities so dear to all of us and which are so hugely expensive. You may dislike Prince Andrew but certain business people dont, and I would rather this spoilt second son did something to enhance business than sit at home being a pain in the you know where! A new yacht, the building of which will create much needed jobs, engenders the money for the things we need, then bring it on!

I don't hate anyone Jalima .