The Royal Yacht BRITANNIA remains one of the most timeless and beautiful vessels ever built in the United Kingdom. The ships Commanding Officer was a Rear Admiral, Flag Officer Royal Yacht (FORY), who seems to have been at times almost his own 1st Sea Lord, responsible for the Royal Yacht, which while technically part of the Royal Navy, seems also to have been very separate from it too. The Royal Yacht, with its attendant guardship, provides a safe haven offshore or alongside, complete with dedicated and secure communications. If it was not possible for HMG to finance a new Royal Yacht, then the best outcome was no Royal Yacht”. Funding a new Royal Yacht would be at variance with the broad thrust of our priorities for public expenditure”.