Grant Shapps, the Defence Secretary, said the military’s ability to deploy “hundreds of crew” within a week was “testament to the skill and ability of the Royal Navy”.

Mr Shapps added: “In an increasingly dangerous world, where it is more important than ever that we stand united with our allies, HMS Prince of Wales will send a powerful message of collective security and deterrence at the head of this multinational strike group.”

Captain Will Blackett, HMS Prince of Wales’s commanding officer, said his team had succeeded in bringing the ship to “immediate readiness” in one week, rather than the usual 30 days.

“HMS Prince of Wales is now ready to go; we are all looking forward to delivering the mission,” he said.