The Royal Yacht Britannia was launched in 1953 and for over 44 years conveyed The Queen and Royal Family on official visits around the world, as well as hosting royal honeymoons and family holidays.

HMY Britannia was first used by The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh on their return to England after a six-month Commonwealth tour in 1953–4. It soon became one of The Queen's most beloved retreats – a place where she might 'truly relax' – as well as the perfect location to host glittering receptions and state dinners. By the time of Britannia's decommissioning in 1997, the yacht had conveyed members of the Royal Family and other dignitaries on 696 foreign visits and 272 visits in British waters.

Today, a 'Britannia Room' at Frogmore House reflects the interior of the much-loved vessel. It is arranged with a selection of items from the yacht chosen by the Duke of Edinburgh, including a rich mahogany table made for Britannia in the 1950s and an old wooden ship's pulley.