The Duke of York has officially opened the United Kingdom Naval Support Facility in Bahrain.

It's the first overseas Royal Navy establishment in almost half a century.

The Ministry of Defence says the facility is intended to increase the capabilities that already exist in Bahrain, but it will also allow the UK to provide better support for its vessels, including the new aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales.

Prince Andrew told Forces News he's particularly impressed by the long-term planning that has gone into the facility.