Duchess Catherine at ship naming ceremony
The Duchess of Cambridge named a new ship in Southampton yesterday (13.06.13).
Pregnant Catherine - who is expecting her first child with husband Prince William - launched Princess Cruises' new vessel which has been named Royal Princess in front of hundreds of guests and well-wishers on the English south coast.
The 31-year-old royal smashed a bottle of champagne over the hull of the ship - a time-honoured tradition - as she pronounced the words: "I name this ship Royal Princess. May God bless her and all who sail in her."
Addressing those in attendance, Alan Buckelew - president and chief executive officer of Princess Cruises - said: "The naming of a ship is a tradition thousands of years old. The ritual marks the birth of a vessel, and asks for a blessing of good fortune and safety for the ship, its crew and passengers."
The naming ceremony also featured a blessing by the Bishop of Winchester, the Right Reverend Tim Dakin, a performance by pop star Natasha Bedingfield and a selection of military band music.
After Catherine - who was dressed in a black and white animal print dress and a black hat - had named the ocean liner she was then given a tour of the vessel as the ship's 'godmother'.
The ship can carry 3,600 passengers and will make its maiden voyage to sea on Sunday (16.06.13).
Catherine - previously known as Kate Middleton - has just a few royal engagements left now before she starts her maternity leave.
On Saturday (15.06.13) she will then attend the Trooping the Colour ceremony before dining at the Garter lunch - her husband William, 30, is a Knight of the Garter - at Windsor on Monday (17.06.13).
Tagged in Natasha Bedingfield Kate Middleton Prince William