HMS Belfast is a Type 26 frigate of the Royal Navy and the second vessel named after the Northern Ireland capital Belfast.

[13][14] In September 2017, her name was announced by the First Sea Lord.

HM ships' names are recommended by the Ships' Names and Badges Committee before approval by the Navy Board and then the Minister of Defence.

[15] The preserved former Royal Navy cruiser HMS Belfast (C35) was renamed HMS Belfast (1938) by the Imperial War Museum to avoid confusion.

The first steel was cut on HMS Belfast 29 June 2021 by Prince William, Duke of Cambridge.