HMS VANGUARD

Any idea of the date this photo was taken TJ?
Nige

Judging by the addition of wooden decoratively covered ventilators it could be the period when she took the royal family on the world cruise. The accommodation was altered for the cruise.

FG86, she did not do a world cruise, the royal family to South Africa in 1947 was as far as she got. HM the Queen celebrated her 21st birthday (as Princess Elizabeth) on the tour where she made her famous "dedication" speech.

thanks onestar, don't know where i gained that impression, but i have read that quite extensive alterations were made to the Royal areas onboard.

On the U.S. Naval Historical Center website this photograph is described as:

HMS Vanguard (British Battleship, 1946)

The ship's Royal Marine detachment stand at attention on the quarterdeck, during the flag raising ceremony, 12 September 1952. To the rear is the Royal Marine Band. Vanguard was about to put to sea with the fleet to begin the NATO exercise Operation "Mainbrace".
Photographed by Blanchette.

Good spot FG! - I hadn't noticed the very elaborate mushroom vent covers, they must have kept the chippies party busy for weeks!!
I suppose the embarked Flag staff did need somewhere to leave the glasses of Pink Gin after Sundowners!!