The UK's new polar research ship the RRS Sir David Attenborough is visiting Greenwich in London to mark the beginning of the COP26 climate conference. 

A three-day "Ice Worlds" festival of polar science and exploration is taking place at the National Maritime Museum. The RRS Sir David Attenborough is the main attraction, making its first appearance in London after sailing up the River Thames on Wednesday.

The ship will be spending the next few days at the home of the Prime Meridian and the Cutty Sark and it will be open to the public until October 30. 

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Legndary naturalist and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough was at the ship on Thursday and said that he was "indeed a very proud man" to be standing in the remarkable vessel. 

"May I wish this ship and all who sail in her, and all the scientists who research on board, bon voyage on her forthcoming voyage to the Antarctic. 

"I know that the findings made on this ship in the next few years will be of the greatest value and importance to the welfare of the world. Let us listen to the science."

The Attenborough is named after the TV naturalist and BBC presenter Sir David. In a 2016 online poll, votes showed that the public wanted to call the ship "Boaty McBoatface" but the decision was overruled by ministers and the National Environment Research Council (NERC). However, an advanced submersible submarine on board the vessel has been given the infamous name. 

The vessel has completed basic sea trials and is ready to undertake her first expedition, enabling world-leading research in Antarctica and the Arctic.