An iconic British ferry, once a symbol of musical inspiration and royal patronage, now lies abandoned and vandalized on the Thames. The ‘Royal Iris of the Mersey,’ renowned for hosting early Beatles concerts and carrying Queen Elizabeth II, faces an uncertain future due to extensive damage.
Despite efforts to save the vessel and disputes over ownership, the ferry, which ceased operations in 1991 and later sold for nightclub conversion, remains neglected next to Thames Side Studios. A recent fire engulfed part of the ship, requiring a significant firefighting effort.
Once a beloved cruise ship accommodating over 2,000 passengers, the ferry earned the nickname “fish and chip boat” in Liverpool and Birkenhead for its musical cruises in the Sixties and Seventies. It even featured in a popular children’s TV program.
Over the years, various initiatives aimed to return the Royal Iris to Liverpool, but with no clear ownership or responsibility, the vessel continues to decay. The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority expressed inability to provide updates on the ferry’s status, citing its prolonged absence from their ownership.
The fate of this historic ferry, steeped in musical and royal history, remains uncertain as it languishes in disrepair, a stark contrast to its illustrious past.
