Here is the full story of Britannia, from the plans first sent to shipbuilders in 1939 through her decommissioning in 1997. Used as a royal residence and for the promotion of commercial interests, Britannia sailed more than a million miles since her launching in 1953. The second edition of this all-color book covers the royal yacht`s entire history through her final public function, the 1997 handover of Hong Kong, and her current role as a tourist attraction berthed in Edinburgh, Scotland. Included are details of her decor and the strict, not to mention eccentric, rules that governed crew behavior and dress. A wealth of technical data is accompanied by a special message of thanks from Queen Elizabeth to the crew.