Was the Royal Navy likely to sell HMS Prince of Wales?
Short answerVery unlikely; the story was more plausibly budget-season signaling, a trial balloon, press speculation, or a distraction.
NotesBudget season produces alarming defense stories because several actors benefit from testing public reaction. A naval supporter might leak a sale threat to rally carrier funding, while an opponent might test whether money could be redirected elsewhere. Journalists can also generate the story independently, and officials may welcome attention being diverted from another issue. At the time of recording, Queen Elizabeth was under repair and Prince of Wales was at sea, so an immediate sale was judged very unlikely.