In the 68 years of her reign, Queen Elizabeth II has been to different places already. In some countries, especially across Europe, she has several properties that she always visits from time to time.
While these private residentials feature some of the most exquisite appearances and facilities, it was said that the Queen's work always follows her wherever she goes. This is why none of these properties have become a place where she could feel her most relaxed self.
According to Express UK, royal expert, Penelope Keith shared in a segment of True Royalty TV that Queen Elizabeth II deemed Britannia as the only place where she can "truly relax." She added that it is no longer a revelation that the British Monarch "adored" the yacht since then.
The expert explained that this was where the Queen made "a lot of fun," especially "on the veranda." She also reportedly believes that there was a "padding pool," wherein the then-young royals "blow-up" a swimming pool.
The publication shared some photos of the then-young Prince Charles and Prince Edward, playing with their father, Prince Philip, inside Britannia. This only proves how much the royals enjoyed their time while boarded on the yacht. Accordingly, it somehow makes sense as to why the Queen loves Britannia and even shed a tear during its decommissioning in 1997.
In the same report, it was revealed that Queen Elizabeth II "personally launch" the Royal Yacht Britannia in 1953, just months prior to her coronation. The official commissioning reportedly happened a year after when Prince Charles and Princess Anne boarded the yacht to reunite with their parents. It was said that the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh just finished their first Commonwealth tour in Malta during that time.
The younger generations of royals, including especially Prince William and Prince Harry, were able to enjoy some time inside the yacht, as well. It was reported that they also boarded the yacht to reunite with their mother, Princess Diana as they just finished their Canada Tour with Prince Charles in 1991.
For 43 years, the Britannia "remained on duty" for Queen Elizabeth II and the rest of the British Royal Family. It was said that the yacht was utilized for more than 690 foreign visits and more than 270 domestic tours.
In 1997, however, Britannia was decommissioned due to the hefty costs that it entails for maintenance and replacement. Several photos of the event went viral as the Queen was seen wiping her tears as the decommissioning went through.
