THE £3 billion pride of the Royal Navy glides majestically up the River Clyde past Gourock this morning.

HMS Queen Elizabeth — the Fleet's 280-metre long flagship — cut a striking dash as throngs of people lined the shore to catch a glimpse of her.

The aircraft carrier — which entered service in 2017 — is set to take part in a wargames operation called Exercise Strike Warrior off the Scottish coast this spring.

She will then depart for further operations in the Mediterranean.

Commanding Officer Captain Angus Essenhigh said: "It is a fantastic privilege for Queen Elizabeth to be made the fleet flagship as we prepare to sail at the heart of UK's very high readiness carrier strike group."

Photos: George Munro