HMS Queen Elizabeth has sailed back into Rosyth for essential repairs to be carried out.

The flagship aircraft carrier made its voyage under the Forth bridges early on Thursday morning.

It is back in West Fife to be fixed after developing a problem with the starboard propeller shaft coupling.

Dunfermline Press: HMS Queen Elizabeth making her way under the Forth Bridge.HMS Queen Elizabeth making her way under the Forth Bridge. (Image: Alan Pirouet)

The warship had been due to take part in Nato's largest military exercise since the Cold War, Steadfast Defender, last month however the issue was detected shortly before it was due to sail.

READ MORE: Royal Navy investigate after fire on board HMS Queen Elizabeth

The destination then changed to Rosyth for repairs, with the HMS Prince of Wales taking its place.

Dunfermline Press: HMS Queen Elizabeth coming under the Forth bridges.HMS Queen Elizabeth coming under the Forth bridges. (Image: Dennis Penny)

This is a role reversal from August 2022 when the HMS Prince of Wales was due to sail to the United States for a diplomatic mission but broke down near the Isle of Wight and had to be towed back to port.

It retreated north to Rosyth after suffering "significant damage" to the starboard propeller shaft - prompting MPs to ask Royal Navy chiefs if it was an "unlucky ship" and why it kept breaking down - and the HMS Queen Elizabeth went to America instead.

Dunfermline Press: HMS Queen Elizabth making her way under the Forth bridges.HMS Queen Elizabth making her way under the Forth bridges. (Image: Dennis Penny)

Earlier this month, firefighters were called after a small fire on the HMS Elizabeth while it was moored on Loch Long.

A Royal Navy spokesperson said the incident had involved a "minor, isolated fire" which was quickly brought under control and extinguished.

The two Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers cost more than £6 billion and were assembled at Rosyth.

Dunfermline Press: HMS Queen Elizabeth coming under the Forth bridges.HMS Queen Elizabeth coming under the Forth bridges. (Image: Dennis Penny)

As well as state-of-the-art weaponry and communications systems, the warships boasts five gyms, a chapel and a medical centre.

The 65,000-tonne ships operate with a crew of approximately 700 each, increasing to the full complement of 1,600 when aircraft are embarked.