The Princess of Wales, Catherine, was back in Scotland this week for another joint engagement – naming ceremony of HMS Glasgow at the BAE Systems’ shipyard in Scotstoun, Glasgow. Prince William arrived yesterday for a solo engagement in Edinburgh and today joined his wife in Glasgow. Recently, The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay made a 2-days long visit in April to the Isle of Mull during their wedding anniversary.
Kate Middleton was looking stunning in a tailored Suzannah maritime outfit for the naming ceremony of HMS Glasgow. The outfit shade matched with the colours of Scottish flag. Upon arrival, William and Kate were greeted with a royal salute and were treated to a flypast.
HMS Glasgow is the first City Class Type 26 frigate, a fast, adaptable, future-proofed ship built in her namesake city. The a state-of-the-art Type 26 advanced anti-submarine warfare vessel is designed to provide protection to the UK’s nuclear deterrent and aircraft carriers. HMS Glasgow’s flight deck will be able to accommodate helicopters up to the size of the RAF’s Chinooks, while her loading bay can quickly adapt to house and deploy vessels, vehicles and containers.
In June 2021, the Princess was appointed as the Sponsor of HMS Glasgow. Historically, the title has served to bestow good luck and divine protection upon a ship. Prince William at that made the announcement while he was on a joint engagement with her grand-mother, Late Queen Elizabeth II, in Scotland. In September 2022, Princess Kate met Royal Navy sailors from HMS Glasgow at Windsor Castle to hear about the progress of work being done on the ship as well as their experiences in the Royal Navy.
This is Kate Middleton’s 4th Ship Naming ceremony. In February 2011, the then bride-to-be joined her fiancé, Prince William, to name the Trearddur Bay Lifeboat Station’s new RNLI Atlantic 85 type inshore lifeboat the ‘Hereford Endeavour’ at Trearddur Bay, Anglesey in Wales. It was Kate’s first official engagement as a Royal(-to-be).
In June 2013, The Duchess of Cambridge, who was expecting her first child at that time, attended the Princess Cruises ship naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal on June 13, 2013 in Southampton, England.
In September 2019, Princess Kate joined her husband for another ship naming ceremony – this time Britain’s new polar research ship, the RRS Sir David Attenborough in Birkenhead, northwest England. They were accompanied by Sir David Attenborough for the ceremony where Kate smashed a bottle of champagne against the hull.
Today, Princess Kate name the ship with a declaration: “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. The Princess is Patron of Place2Be.
Once the service was over, The Prince and Princess were given a short guided tour of the frigate, which will serve as the Fleet’s shield and sword against hostile submarines. ship’s chief bosun’s mate (buffer) Petty Officer (Sea) Abigail Baker showed them around the ship and briefed about its capabilities. Later Abaigail said, “It was an honour and privilege to meet Their Royal Highnesses. The Princess of Wales projected a keen interest in the ship’s company and their families – and we in HMS Glasgow are proud to have her as our Ship’s Sponsor.”
William and Kate met with representatives from BAE Systems and Royal Navy to learn more about what the ship will offer. They also met with apprentices and graduates in the BAE Systems’ Shipbuilding Academy to hear about the shipbuilding and maritime training they have received, including fabrication, electrical, sheet metal work, welding, and pipefitting — all of which helped bring HMS Glasgow to life.
William and Kate heard from BAE Systems employees who came from various backgrounds and helped build the ship, and then spent time with members of HMS Glasgow Ship’s Company and their families to recognize the efforts of the local workforce, commitment of the crew and sacrifices made by the loved ones of serving personnel.
What Kate Middleton wore to HMS Glasgow Naming Ceremony
- Suzannah London Simple Navy Coat Dress – New
- Philip Treacy OC 915 Hat – Repeat from Trooping the Colour Parade in June 2022
- Lady Diana’s Sapphire and Diamond Earrings – Repeat from Trooping the Colour Parade in June 2022
- James Porter & Son Brooch – New
- Emmy London Natasha Midnight Self Piped Clutch – Repeat from the COP 26 Reception in November 2021
- Gianvito Rossi Gianvito 105 Bisque Pumps – Repeat March 2022 during the Royal Tour of the Caribbean
