Comments aside
The abbreviation of PoW for the Prince of Wales, strikes me as one which should be dropped - surely we can do better than that - i.e. Invince; Lusty; etc..
Ok so we have a CV with no aircraft, fit the CATOBAR - the major structural area, the well deck is there - buy a relevent quantity of F18SH - sufficient to commence and maintain initial operations, say three years - drop the JSF, by the time its ready, if ever, the Rolls version will have been cancelled anyway on cost grounds or NIH. In any event the JSF sensitivity of the cloaking paint to damage, does not auger well for operations such as Iraq and Afghan, nor the operational environmental requirements, including landing pads. The F18's are off the shelf, so ordering can wait until when the CV is fitting out and the deficit is nearly cleared, which makes for easier financing.
No development costs.
Provides a working CV as soon as completed trials.
Allows for loss of Harriers.
Financially a better solution.
Avoids the stupidity of having the main unit of our Navy as a toothless tiger, and our Navy therefore consisting of a few Frigates and MCM's with a helicopter carrier. The Maldives might be frightened.
If the latest go faster whizzbang is really desired, purchase the then hot future favourite in 2040 or when you can afford it.
Worth a try??