Explore Britannia
![Map image](/media/1927/ryb-animation.gif)
![Royal Yacht Britannia bridge Royal Yacht Britannia bridge](/media/1189/160512tryb099.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&quality=70&width=800&height=490&rnd=133513523430000000)
It was from this area that Britannia was commanded as the Royal Yacht sailed the oceans of the world. From here the Officers navigated, log books were recorded and orders issued.
![Royal Yacht Britannia Office Royal Yacht Britannia Office](/media/1312/p6040063.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&quality=70&width=800&height=490&rnd=131915935370000000)
This is where the Admiral worked, entertained and often ate during his time on board. Not only did the Admiral have ultimate responsibility of ensuring that Britannia ran like clockwork, but he was also in charge of a staff of some 19 Officers and 220 Yachtsmen.
![royal deck tea room with customers royal yacht britannia royal deck tea room with customers royal yacht britannia](/media/1174/pd-royal-deck-2.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&quality=70&width=800&height=490&rnd=131928034210000000)
The Royal Deck was used for games and entertaining. Today this is where you can enjoy freshly prepared delicious scones, cakes, soups and sandwiches with waterfront views and a warm welcome.
![Crew of The Royal Yacht Britannia Yotties. Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2023. Crew of The Royal Yacht Britannia Yotties. Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2023.](/media/1249/img001-27.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&quality=70&width=800&height=490&rnd=133193084560000000)
Here the Royal Family relaxed in privacy, sunbathing or enjoying games of quoits or deck hockey. Prince Philip would occasionally set up his painting easel here and there was even a collapsible swimming pool for the Royal Family to take a dip if they wanted.
![sun lounge royal yacht britannia sun lounge royal yacht britannia](/media/1179/cr4a2725.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&quality=70&width=800&height=490&rnd=131928037940000000)
This beautiful teak-lined room was one of Queen Elizabeth II's favourite spaces on board. It was a family room and offered privacy from the rest of the ship.
![waitresses in state dining room royal yacht britannia waitresses in state dining room royal yacht britannia](/media/1161/tryb240412176.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&quality=70&width=800&height=490&rnd=131928025780000000)
This was the largest and grandest room on board Britannia. Here Queen Elizabeth II and The Prince Philip entertained some of the world’s most powerful figures like Sir Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela, Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher.
![state drawing room royal yacht britannia state drawing room royal yacht britannia](/media/1165/state-drawing-room-copyright-marc-millar.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&quality=70&width=800&height=490&rnd=131928027290000000)
The spacious and elegant Drawing Room served both as a place for the Royal Family to relax and also as a reception room for up to 250 guests.
![Royal Yacht Britannia Engine Rooms 18 Royal Yacht Britannia Engine Rooms 18](/media/1313/img001-store.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&quality=70&width=800&height=490&rnd=131915935690000000)
The NAAFI shop was well stocked with everything the Officers and Yachtsman might need - from toothpaste to Britannia souvenirs.
![The Laundry Room aboard The Royal Yacht Britannia showing shirts, jackets and ironing equipment The Laundry Room aboard The Royal Yacht Britannia showing shirts, jackets and ironing equipment](/media/1004/160512tryb060.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&quality=70&width=800&height=490&rnd=132584676540000000)
Britannia was the only ship in the Royal Navy to have a laundry service permanently on board. The 240 Officers and Yachtsmen might have had to change uniform up to six times a day, meaning that the laundry machines, dryers and steam presses worked non-stop.
![Royal Yacht Britannia Engine Rooms 16 Royal Yacht Britannia Engine Rooms 16](/media/1022/tryb230412144.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&quality=70&width=800&height=490&rnd=131915934680000000)
A proud testament to British marine engineering - every piece of machinery, every gadget, stopcock, switch and dial operated faultlessly until Britannia was decommissioned in 1997.
![Royal Yacht Britannia Crew Royal Yacht Britannia Crew](/media/1266/ry-073.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&quality=70&width=800&height=490&rnd=131922161620000000)
Plays were performed and music was played to delight and entertain The Royal Family and the crew.
![Royal Yacht Britannia Crew 8 Royal Yacht Britannia Crew 8](/media/1343/img001-145.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&quality=70&width=800&height=490&rnd=131922165370000000)
There were endless games organised on board with treasure hunts, picnics, fun exercise games and water fights. On warmer days the Royal children could even splash about in an inflatable paddling pool on the Verandah Deck.