Kate wows in navy as she smashes whisky against ship in naming ceremony
The Prince and Princess of Wales have travelled to BAE Systems in Scostoun, Glasgow to attend the official naming ceremony of the Royal Navy warship HMS Glasgow
A glamorous Princess of Wales officially named a warship by smashing a bottle of whisky against its hull in huge military procession. Both Kate and Prince William attended the naming of the warship HMS Glasgow at BAE Systems in Scotstoun, with the princess the sponsor of the vessesl.
In her role as sponsor, it is her job to formally name the ship in an act that is intended to bring good luck and fortune to it and its crew. The ship, which is still under construction, is a Type 26 frigate built for the Royal Navy and is a first in class anti-submarine warfare ship.
The princess, who wore a navy and white Suzannah London coat dress in the colours of the Scottish flag and a thistle brooch, became sponsor of the ship in 2022.
On arriving, William and Kate were greeted with a royal salute and were treated to a flypast. The princess also named the ship by saying: "I name this Ship HMS Glasgow, may God bless her and all who sail on her." She then pressed a button which released a bottle of whisky that smashed against the ship's hull.
The whisky is made by the Clydeside Distillery and is an exclusive single malt whisky made just a short distance from the HMS Glasgow site. Each bottle includes a contribution to HMS Glasgow's chosen charity, Place2Be, supporting children's mental health in the City of Glasgow, and a charity of which the Princess is Patron of.
Watching the moment were dozens of BAE Systems staff and their families, and senior Royal Navy officers who applauded as the whisky bottle broke. The ceremony began with a royal salute from the ship's company for William and Kate, also known by their Scottish titles, the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay.
Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral Sir Martin Connell thanked the royal couple for their support and all those involved in the Type 26 endeavour. He said: "From the first ever HMS Glasgow, sailing under the Royal Navy flag at the end of the 17th century, to the ship we see here in the 21st century, HMS Glasgow has evolved and adapted to meet the warfighting and operational demands of its day.
"Each metamorphosis saw shipbuilders adapting materials and designs so that crews could operate each successive HMS Glasgow on operations and in conflict and war. The result of this being 11 battle honours – HMS Glasgow's pedigree is awe-inspiring.'
He also hailed the latest ship as "a pure-bred anti-submarine warfare platform, setting the standard for naval warfare', ready to 'meet the global and geopolitical challenges of today".
The Second Sea Lord added: "HMS Glasgow and her class represent the next chapter of naval innovation, safeguarding the UK's interests and contributing to national prosperity."
After the ceremony, the royal couple went onboard the ship and met representatives from BAE Systems and the Royal Navy who will discuss the construction of the ship and its capabilities. Later, the prince and princess will go to the BAE Systems Shipbuilding academy where they will partake in a STEM activity with apprentices.
Before leaving, they will also meet with BAE Systems employees who have been involved in the construction of the ship and members of HMS Glasgow Ship's Company and their families, to acknowledge the immense efforts of the local workforce, the commitment of the crew and the sacrifices made by the families of serving personnel.
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