Britain's new aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, is leaking as a result of a faulty seal, it has emerged. The Royal Navy's £3.1 billion warship, which was accepted into the Royal Navy fleet by The Queen less than a month ago, has a "significant" defect.

Reports suggested there is a problem with an inflatable rubber ring-style seal around one of the propeller shafts.

The fault means the ship has been taking on up to 200 litres of sea water an hour, according to The Sun.

The Royal Navy confirmed the problem was identified during sea trials and said the aircraft carrier is scheduled for repair.

Repairs, which will be paid for by the manufacturers rather than the Ministry of Defence, are likely to cost millions of pounds, sources suggested.

A Royal Navy spokesman said the fault does not prevent the carrier from sailing again early in 2018.