Duchess of Cambridge to name cruise liner

Kate, whose baby is due in mid-July, will be at Southampton on June 13 for the naming ceremony of Princess Cruises’ 3,600-passenger Royal Princess.

The official ceremony will involve a blessing, the celebratory tradition of smashing a bottle over the hull of the ship and a performance by the Royal Marines Band and the pipers of the Irish Guards.

The Duchess will also go on board for a brief tour of the new liner which will leave on its maiden voyage on June 16.

Princess Cruises’ president and chief executive Alan Buckelew said: “It is a great honour for Princess Cruises that Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge has accepted our invitation to become the Godmother to Royal Princess.

“We are delighted that the Duchess will launch our new ship and can think of no better way to celebrate our company’s British heritage and our commitment to the country.”

The new ship features a top-deck, glass-bottomed walkway extending 28ft beyond the edge of the ship and the largest pastry shop at sea.

The Royal Princess will go on Mediterranean cruises this summer followed by Eastern Caribbean cruises beginning in the autumn. Its maiden voyage will include stops in Portugal, Gibraltar and Spain.