In February, the Royal Navy were asked if HMS Prince of Wales was "an unlucky ship" and why it kept breaking down after more faults were found in the £3 billion aircraft carrier.

The vessel had retreated to Rosyth the previous October to repair "significant damage" to the starboard propeller shaft and in February, MPs on the Defence Select Committee were told there are "similar issues" with the port side shaft.

Committee chairman Tobias Ellwood MP suggested the warship had spent more time in dry dock than at sea before an exasperated Mark Francois MP said the UK cannot have a "carrier with a limp".

A full investigation into the "root cause of the failure" was said to be underway as Mr Francois said: "The Prince of Wales was commissioned in December 2019.

"She suffered two serious leaks in 2020. According to The Times, between October 2020 and April 2021, she spent 193 days having that water damage repaired.

"In August 2021, she set sail for the east coast.

"She then breaks down and has to be towed to Rosyth.

"What, fundamentally, is the problem with this £3 billion warship? What actually is the problem?"

Vice Admiral Paul Marshall told the committee that the repairs to the HMS Prince of Wales' starboard shaft were due be completed in the Spring.

She was then due to sail from Rosyth to her home base of Portsmouth for pre-planned maintenance and re-join operations in the Autumn.

Mr Ellwood asked if the problems with the warship was "something that happened while at sea or was it something that happened in the build itself"?

Vice Admiral Marshall replied: "In parallel with the repair, we are carrying out a full investigation into the root cause of the failure.

"That investigation is nearing completion: it would be inappropriate for me to discuss conclusions ahead of briefing our own ministers."

Also this month:

Tributes after death of former Queen Anne High rector Mike Cook

Celtic defender Ewan Otoo signs on loan

Dolly Parton congratulates Dunfermline on its City Status