Prince Philip helps mark end of era for QE2 as ship makes last voyage

November 11, 2008Nov 11, 2008, 11:00 PM GMT

For the last 40 years the city of Southampton has been proud of its role as home berth to the QE2, and as the luxury liner set sail on her final voyage on Tuesday, thousands of people gathered on the quayside to say goodbye. Among those bidding farewell to the iconic vessel was Prince Philip - his seventh time on board - who joined those watching as the ship left port beneath a dramatic firework display en route for a new life as a luxury hotel in Dubai. To the strains of Rule Britannia, the vessel's master, Captain Ian McNaught, paid tribute to the ship. "For 40 years QE2 has striven to serve Southampton and serve her country with flair and fortitude," he said. "But now her sea days are done and she passes on to a new life in a new home. We wish her well." Earlier an aircraft showered the liner, which served as a troop ship during the Falklands War, with one million poppies to mark Remembrance Day.

Under a brilliant display of fireworks and with 2,700 passengers and crew on board, the QE2 leaves Southampton for the last time on Tuesday evening Photo: © Rexy

Earlier, the Duke of Edinburgh had spent time on the historic vessel, meeting with staff and touring the ship Photo: © Rex

In a moving tribute, a Tiger Moth aircraft dropped one million poppies over the Cunard liner Photo: © Getty Images

Sign up to HELLO! Daily for all the latest and best royal coverage

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please click here.