Her
Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge Kate christened Princess
Cruises’ new Royal Princess in Southampton when
she released a bottle of champagne that smashed against the ship’s
hull.
Standing
on the naming platform with the ship’s Captain Tony Draper, The
Duchess pronounced, “I name this ship Royal Princess. May God bless
her and all who sail in her.” She then cut the rope that sent a
giant Nebuchadnezzar-size bottle of Moët & Chandon champagne
toward the ship, welcoming Royal
Princess into
the Princess fleet.
The
ceremony included both maritime tradition and contemporary elements,
reflecting the innovative spirit of Princess’s newest class of
ship. The festivities included musical performances, including
British pop singer Natasha Bedingfield singing her hit “Unwritten,”
as well as an original song by British actress Kerry Ellis.
Internationally renowned percussive orchestra Mass Ensemble performed
and The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Portsmouth and The Pipe
Band of 1st Battalion Irish Guards opened the event. Reverend Tim
Dakin, Bishop of Winchester, blessed the ship
Following
the ship’s maiden voyage to Barcelona on June 16, Royal
Princess will
sail the Mediterranean during the summer, followed by Eastern
Caribbean cruises beginning in this fall.
A
replay of the Royal
Princess naming
ceremony is available at www.princess.com/royalprincessnaming.
