Thousands of people from all over the country came to Southampton today, to say goodbye to QE2. 

She arrived alongside her berth at the Queen Elizabeth II Terminal after a slight delay from running aground on the Brambles Sandbank this morning off the Isle of Wight.

Assistant Director of Seafarers and Ships, Paul Coley said:

No-one on board was injured when the ship ran aground, and after refloating it continued on a safe passage into Southampton with the tugs.

Maritime and Coastguard Agency surveyors completed a full inspection of the QE2 on her arrival in Southampton and they gave the all clear for the ship to continue on its final journey to Dubai.

QE2 is the world’s most loved ocean liner.  She spent 35 years as the Cunard flagship and has travelled over 5.6 million nautical miles, more than any other ship; has carried over 2.5 million guests; has completed 25 World Cruises; and has crossed the Atlantic 803 times.
 
After 39 years of service, of which she also answered her country’s call during the Falklands Campaign, QE2 leaves her Cunard service on this final voyage from Southampton to Dubai where she will become a first class hotel and entertainment centre.

The highlight of today 11th November 2008 was a farewell visit by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, who made his seventh visit to the most famous ship in the world.

During the visit, His Royal Highness observed the two-minutes’ silence at 11:00 hours after which a million poppies were dropped over the ship from a Tiger Moth to commemorate Remembrance Day mark QE2’s role in the Falklands, and note the fact that her final departure is on 11th November.

His Royal Highness took a tour of the vessel, including visits to the Wardroom, Bridge, Engine Control Room and Hospital before attending a Reception in the Queens Room.

There he presented a painting of QE2 which was painted by Isle of Wight Artist Robert Lloyd (pictured above) who lives in Cowes, to the Mayor of Southampton, who accepted it on behalf of the city.

The QE2 painting was first unveiled by Her Majesty The Queen during her own farewell visit to the ship on 2nd June 2008.  

After lunch there was a flypast by a Harrier jet from the aft decks of QE2, where the Harrier hovered and bowed to QE2 approximately 500-feet off her stern.

QE2 left her berth at 1915 hours and proceeded astern off Mayflower Park where a pre-recorded message from her Master, Captain Ian McNaught, was broadcast on a specially-erected screen in the Park.

Immediately after this there was a brief, if not spectacular firework display. QE2 then proceeded downriver with her whistle blasting followed by a large flotilla. She passed the Queen Elizabeth II Terminal just before 2000 hours for the final time and made her way down Southampton Water en route to Dubai.

Watch exclusive coverage from the BBC online HERE: