The United Kingdom’s Carrier Strike Group (CSG) made a stop in the Gulf of Naples, marking a significant moment for Anglo-Italian cooperation in defence and security. For several days, three vessels – including the Royal Navy’s flagship HMS Prince of Wales and the Type 45 destroyer HMS Dauntless – were moored in the port and anchored off the coast of Naples, together with the Norwegian ship HNoMS Roald Amundsen, after a five-month mission in the Indo-Pacific aimed at strengthening NATO security through major exercises with partners and allies, including Italy.
The arrival of the CSG launched an intense programme of multilateral and bilateral activities both on board and across the city.
Sunday, 16 November – Music met heritage
The Band of the Royal Marines Scotland entertained residents and visitors with a performance in the recently restored Galleria Umberto I. Known for its precision and versatility, the band presented a repertoire combining traditional military marches with contemporary pieces, creating a unique cultural and entertainment moment in the heart of Naples.
Monday, 17 November – Strategic dialogue at sea
On Monday, HMS Prince of Wales was visited by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Defence Secretary John Healey, who then held high-level bilateral meetings with their Italian counterparts, On. Antonio Tajani and On. Guido Crosetto. The discussion focussed on foreign policy, defence, and security, at a crucial time for Anglo-Italian collaboration in these sectors.
Cultural and community exchange
While strategic meetings for the Anglo-Italian relationship took place on board HMS Prince of Wales, some of the ship’s 2,200 crew members took part in cultural and sporting activities, including a culinary collaboration Royal Navy chefs joined forces with icons of Neapolitan gastronomy – master pastry chef Poppella and renowned pizzaiolo Gino Sorbillo – for two interactive cooking sessions. The exchange blended British naval traditions with Neapolitan cuisine.
UK defence exports
On board HMS Dauntless, the International Collaboration and Exports (IC&E) division of the UK Ministry of Defence, part of the UK National Armaments Director (NAD) group, hosted the UK-Italy Defence Exports Engagement Day. The event provided an opportunity for key British and Italian stakeholders to discuss defence-sector exports, with the aim of strengthening bilateral cooperation, exploring strategic opportunities, and consolidating shared objectives.
Reception celebrating UK–Italy bilateral ties
To conclude a day of strategic dialogue and cultural exchange, the British Ambassador to Italy, Ed Llewellyn, hosted an evening reception aboard HMS Dauntless. The event brought together British and Italian representatives – including diplomats, senior military officers, and local authorities – to celebrate the enduring friendship and growing cooperation between the two nations. The reception highlighted the success of recent joint initiatives and underscored the shared commitment to enhanced security, prosperity, and cultural ties in recent years.
About HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Dauntless
- HMS Prince of Wales One of the Royal Navy’s two Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, equipped to project air power globally and support humanitarian missions.
- HMS Dauntless A Type 45 air-defence destroyer equipped with advanced radar and missile systems to protect carrier groups and allied fleets.
