I was not expecting my observation on Prince of Wales to kick off such a detailed discussion. It has been very interesting, many thanks to all who have made outside enquiries and researched it further.
The slight difference in hull form on Prince of Wales is noteworthy. It is difficult to find photos clearly showing it for comparative purposes. These are the best I could find, taken from relatively similar angles. They are Shutterstock and Getty Images stock photo previews pulled from online and posted for discussion purposes only, copyright rests with original owners.
H.M.S. King George V aground enroute back to Gareloch for mothballing:
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HMS King George V aground enroute to Gareloch 2.jpg [ 282.87 KiB | Viewed 2813 times ]
H.M.S. Prince of Wales again on the slipway at Cammell Laird Shipyard in Birkenhead:Attachment:
HMS Prince of Wales Cammell Laird Birkenhead.jpg [ 338.41 KiB | Viewed 2813 times ]
Red circles added highlighting the subtle difference. The short section of near-vertical hull side plating below the main deck on the flared section of the bow on H.M.S. Prince of Wales is not there on H.M.S. King George V, nor Duke of York, Anson or Howe. I had never noticed that before. But it is very obvious when pointed out and when you see it. One learns something every day.