This book relates the story of the royal yacht from her launch in 1953 to her decomissioning and permanent mooring at Leith in 1998. In addition to her use by the royal family, her role in British diplomacy and promotion of overseas trade and business is covered. There are brief descriptions of the part Britannia played in the evacuaton of Aden in 1986 and the handover of Hong Kong in 1997. There are black and white or colour photographs on every page, many showing the interior of Britannia and illustrating life on board. There are also deck plans of the yacht.