In pictures: Ark Royal's return

1 of 7 A flotilla of boats escorted the Ark Royal into Portsmouth

2 of 7 Thousands of friends and relatives lined the dockside

3 of 7 Relief and joy to be back from the Gulf

4 of 7 The ship's officers could not resist a quick wave

5 of 7 It was an emotional return for many crew members

6 of 7 Couples were reunited after four months apart

7 of 7 Alan Massey, captain of HMS Ark Royal, greets his one-year-old daughter Sally and wife Julie