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The Prime Minister said the vessel would represent “a clear and powerful symbol” of Britain’s determination to play an active role in the international area. Tory MPs including Craig Mackinlay are already pushing for it be named in honour of Prince Philip, who died last month at the age of 99.
The Duke, who had a long and distinguished naval career, was also involved in the design of Britannia, which was officially decommissioned in 1997.
An Express.co.uk poll – which ran from 11.20am yesterday to 11.20am today – asked: “Should Boris’s Brexit flagship be named after the late Duke of Edinburgh?”
Out of 3,977 votes, 67 percent (2,672) of people urged the Prime Minister to name the ship after Prince Philip.
Just 30 percent (1,183) said it should not be while three percent (122) said they don’t know.
One person said: “Would be a nice gesture to the Queen.. yes..”
Someone else added: “I think they should deffo name it after Prince Philip – all those whiners who hate the UK and the monarchy can foxtrot off to a Republic and see that regardless, monarch or president – it’s never going to be their sorry little self in the role.”
Another Express.co.uk reader said: “The way to keep both sides happy is to name it ‘HMS Duke of Edinburgh’ that way it doesn’t use his name but we all know its meaning.”
Many others called for the Brexit flagship to be named “HMS Great Britain”.
READ MORE: Backlash launched against Royal Yacht dedicated to Prince Philip
They said: “Let the Queen decide.
“If she says no to using The Duke of Edinburgh then it’s a no!”
Insiders have suggested Buckingham Palace is far from sold on the idea, believing the massive ship would be “too grand” a symbol to be used by the monarchy.
One senior royal source said: “It is not something we have asked for.”
Buckingham Palace has no involvement in the process, another source emphasised.
They explained: “It is a government decision.
“Buckingham Palace has not been involved in the decision, but we respect it.”
Construction of the new ship is expected to begin as soon as 2022 and it will enter service within the next four years.
The tendering process for the design and construction of the vessel will launch shortly, with an emphasis on showcasing British design expertise and the latest innovations in green technology.
The ship will be crewed by the Royal Navy and is expected to be in service for around 30 years.
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