Note says Britain's queen 'naturally' wanted new royal yacht

The Royal Yacht Britannia makes it last appearance at Cowes Regatta before being decommissioned on August 05, 1996 in Cowes, Isle of Wight. Photo / Getty

A newly discovered note in the UK's National Archives shows Queen Elizabeth II let government officials know she would welcome a replacement for the Royal Yacht Britannia once it was decommissioned.

The 1995 note is unusual because the queen is required to remain politically neutral and avoids lobbying the government on specific requests.

The message from her deputy private secretary to the Cabinet office said Elizabeth would "naturally very much welcome" a new royal yacht.

The Queen wiping a tear from her eye at the de-commissioning ceremony for Hmy Britannia. Photo / Getty

But it made clear palace officials recognised the decision had to be made by government ministers, not the queen.

The Royal Yacht Britannia was in service from 1954 to 1997.

The queen was known to be deeply attached to the Britannia. She was photographed shedding a tear when the vessel was retired.

- AP