Duchess of Cambridge names the Royal Princess

Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge yesterday named Princess Cruises’ new cruise vessel, Royal Princess in the classic ship launching ceremony of smashing a bottle of champagne against the vessel’s hull, and yes it did smash ... phew!
In the time honoured tradition, The Duchess pronounced, “I name this ship Royal Princess” ... “May God bless her and all who sail in her.”
Standing on the naming platform with the ship’s Captain Tony Draper, she then cut the rope that sent the giant Nebuchadnezzar, that’s a 15 litres bottle of Moët & Chandon champagne hurtling toward the ship’s hull.
“We can think of no more fitting godmother for our magnificent new Royal Princess," Princess Cruises chief executive Alan Buckelew said.
“Her Royal Highness is an inspiring ambassador for Britain, with whom Princess Cruises shares strong ties and she is admired around the world for her style and grace.
“We’re so honoured she accepted our invitation to become godmother to our new ship.”
The ceremony included star studded entertainment that Princess Cruises says blended maritime tradition with contemporary elements, reflecting the innovative spirit of Princess’ newest class of ship, with performers including Natasha Bedingfield plus an original song by British actress and “the first lady of London’s West End,” Kerry Ellis and the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Portsmouth and The Pipe Band of 1st Battalion Irish Guards opening the event with all the pomp and ceremony expected of British ship naming traditions, with The Right Reverend Tim Dakin, Bishop of Winchester, conducting the traditional ship’s blessing.

Sourced: etravelblackboardasia