Visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia
2026/4/8
On Wednesday 8th April, Consul General Katsutoshi Takeda visited the Royal Yacht Britannia, permanently moored at Ocean Terminal in Leith, Edinburgh, at the invitation of Mr Franck Bruyere, Chief Executive of The Royal Yacht Britannia.
The Royal Yacht Britannia served as the official vessel for the British Royal Family for approximately 44 years starting in 1954, and was known as the ship Queen Elizabeth II loved most in the world. During her "Farewell Tour" of Asia and the Far East in 1997—her final voyage—she made her first and only port calls to Japan, visiting Tokyo, Nagoya, Kobe, and Naha.
Today, maintained and managed by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust, she is permanently moored at the Port of Leith in Edinburgh, Scotland, and is open to the public. Not only is she a historic maritime treasure, but she is also a significant piece of Royal Heritage, continuing to be cherished by many as one of the UK’s most iconic tourist attraction.
On the day of the visit, guided by Mr Bruyere, Consul General toured a wide range of facilities: the sun-drenched Sun Lounge—a particular favourite of Her Majesty; the State Apartments, which served as the stage for official state business; the Bridge, the heart of the ship’s navigation; the Engine Room, which still retains its functional beauty; and the living quarters that supported the disciplined lives of the crew, said to number over 240.
In celebration of the centenary of Queen Elizabeth II's birth, the Royal Yacht Britannia will make a special appearance at the Hankyu Umeda Main Store "British Fair 2026" this October. We hope you look forward to it.
The Royal Yacht Britannia served as the official vessel for the British Royal Family for approximately 44 years starting in 1954, and was known as the ship Queen Elizabeth II loved most in the world. During her "Farewell Tour" of Asia and the Far East in 1997—her final voyage—she made her first and only port calls to Japan, visiting Tokyo, Nagoya, Kobe, and Naha.
Today, maintained and managed by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust, she is permanently moored at the Port of Leith in Edinburgh, Scotland, and is open to the public. Not only is she a historic maritime treasure, but she is also a significant piece of Royal Heritage, continuing to be cherished by many as one of the UK’s most iconic tourist attraction.
On the day of the visit, guided by Mr Bruyere, Consul General toured a wide range of facilities: the sun-drenched Sun Lounge—a particular favourite of Her Majesty; the State Apartments, which served as the stage for official state business; the Bridge, the heart of the ship’s navigation; the Engine Room, which still retains its functional beauty; and the living quarters that supported the disciplined lives of the crew, said to number over 240.
In celebration of the centenary of Queen Elizabeth II's birth, the Royal Yacht Britannia will make a special appearance at the Hankyu Umeda Main Store "British Fair 2026" this October. We hope you look forward to it.