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Daily Mail
23-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
The touching hidden details in Kate's outfit that you may have missed as she officially names HMS Glasgow
The Princess of Wales looked effortlessly elegant on Thursday as she officially named HMS Glasgow by smashing a bottle of local Scottish whisky against its hull. Keeping her look suitably nautical, Kate, 43, sported a navy and white £1,850 coat dress from British brand Suzannah London and a matching statement hat from Philip Treacy, first worn at Trooping the Colour in 2024. Joined by her husband, Prince William, to conduct the traditional naming ritual at the BAE Systems' shipyard in Scotstoun, on the bank of the River Clyde in Glasgow, the mother-of-three completed her outfit with a pair of cream heels and navy handbag. But it was her jewellery that held especially touching tributes. The royal added a personal and sentimental touch to her ensemble by wearing her Cabochon Sapphire Drop Earrings, thought to have been a wedding gift to the late Princess Diana. She also wore a brooch especially designed for the occasion on Thursday. James Porter & Son, established in 1858, is based in Glasgow's historic Argyll Arcade and is one of Scotland's oldest jewellers. Simon Porter said they had been asked to design a brooch based on HMS Glasgow's crest. 'It was an absolute honour to see her wearing it,' he said. 'Against a plain navy background it really stood out.' The brooch was funded by two London livery companies, the Worshipful Company of Fan Makers and the Worshipful Company of Merchant Taylors. On Thursday, Kate pressed a button to smash an exclusive bottle of whisky into the hull of the grey stealth-like HMS Glasgow, the first of eight Type 26 anti-submarine frigates to be built in Glasgow. Stepping up onto a podium before a crowd of several hundred BAE employees, their families and the 45-strong ship's company, the royal uttered the time-honoured words: 'I have the pleasure to name this ship HMS Glasgow, may God bless her and all who sail on her'. The Princess was named sponsor of the 8,000-tonne warship, a state-of-the-art Type 26 anti-submarine frigate, in June 2021 and is said to hold 'a real interest' in the ship 'and in the lives of those who will serve onboard'. A year later, Kate met Royal Navy sailors from HMS Glasgow at Windsor Castle to hear about the ship's progress and their experiences in the Royal Navy. After the naming ceremony, the couple stepped aboard to meet representatives from BAE Systems who have been leading the delivery of the vessel, as well as others from the Royal Navy to discuss the ship's unique capabilities. The Princess was congratulated on naming the ship and appeared relieved it had gone to plan. The Prince and Princess were then driven a short distance down the road to the BAE Systems' Shipbuilding Academy to meet apprentices and graduates. They heard about the shipbuilding and maritime training the students have received, including craft trades such as fabrication, electrical, sheet metal work, welding, and pipefitting – all of which contributed to the construction of HMS Glasgow. The Princess appeared to be in great form as she shared a laugh while meeting apprentices and graduates during a visit to the BAE Systems' Shipbuilding Academy After the ceremony, the Prince and Princess (pictured) were then driven a short distance down the road to the BAE Systems' Shipbuilding Academy to meet apprentices and graduates The couple's long held rivalry was once again put to the test as they were tasked with racing to complete a pipe building challenge, a STEM exercise used to teach secondary school pupils. Aided by second year pipe apprentices Natalie Black and Rory Hamilton, the couple got to work building their pipes while chatting. As the Princess swiftly began screwing her pipes together, Ms Black told her: 'You look like you've done this before,' prompting the Princess to tell her it was her experience playing with the childrens' toys. Prince William, who spent more time chatting than building, later claimed he had not realised it was a race. Deborah Lynch, an early careers and skills practitioner at BAE, declared the Princess the winner, only for her pipe construction to collapse, prompting much laughter. The Princess was then asked to screw in a wing nut to complete an inclinometer, the gadget traditionally fixed to a ship to measure its tilt, which will be put on display in the bridge. 'It's so beautifully made,' she said. 'I look forward to seeing that in place if I come back another day.' The Prince and Princess also met a cross-section of BAE Systems employees from different backgrounds, trades and skills involved in the building of the ship, and members of HMS Glasgow ship's company and their families. After the ceremony, William and Kate (pictured), known in Scotland as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay, boarded the ship and met representatives from BAE Systems, which has led the delivery of the vessel, and others from the Royal Navy who discussed the ship's capabilities The Princess repeatedly described how impressed she was by the sheer scale of the ship, the number of people involved in the build and the technology on board. 'It's so exciting to see it all come together, all the technology is so impressive,' she marvelled. 'What's really interesting as well is seeing the international interest.' She admitted that she was still getting to grips with the naval language. 'I'm still learning all my naval lingo,' she told one woman. 'There are a lot of abbreviations that I don't fully understand. I've got a lot to learn.' The Princess told another employee: 'It's a really proud moment for the UK but particularly, Glasgow, because there's such international interest.' She met several children, parents and grandparents of employees, telling them it was so important for family members to come and see the work after 'so much time and effort had been invested' and to share the experience. 'It must be a very proud day for you, to see what your loved ones do on a day to day basis,' she told one grandmother. 'The technology is so advanced. Have you had a look around? I find it fascinating.' She told another family member that the 3D animations she had seen 'looked very James Bond' and another that she hoped the sunny weather would prove 'a good omen' for the ship. The Princess was introduced to Lt Simon Hartland RN and his son, Teddy, 11. The Prince of Wales and The Princess of Wales, Sponsor HMS Glasgow, attend the ship's naming ceremony at the BAE Systems' shipyard 'Have you got any aspirations to be in the Navy?' she asked Teddy. 'I was just hearing, there are so many jobs that you can do. Have you started coding yet? The Princess told some employees that it must be 'great to be part of something so new and cutting edge.' She added: 'Everyone's very excited about the gadgets on board, everyone's raving about them.' The Princess said: 'It's a very proud day for me to see all the hard work that's been going on behind the scenes.' Asking one young girl what she thought of HMS Glasgow, she said: 'She's pretty impressive. I'd seen a picture but I didn't realise she was going to be that big.' She told another employee: 'It's so special, when I saw her, I was like, 'wow'.' Before leaving, the Prince and Princess were given a bottle of the Clydeside Distillery whisky. The couple visited the distillery when they were in Scotland for Cop26 in 2021. The Prince joked that he thought it a shame that the whisky was wasted by smashing a bottle on the ship. The Princess (pictured) told some employees that it must be 'great to be part of something so new and cutting edge' Tim Morrison, the distillery founder, suggested they use a drop of cold tea instead, to much laughter. The Princess asked why whisky was used rather than champagne and was told it was because Elizabeth II had once christened a ship with whisky from Morrison Bowmore Distillers, which the Morrison family previously owned. The ship, the first of eight planned Type 26 frigates, is designed to provide protection to the UK's nuclear deterrent and aircraft carriers. It features advanced systems such as the Sea Ceptor anti-air missile system, a 5-inch naval gun, and the capability to carry both Wildcat and Merlin helicopters. The construction of the eight frigates has sustained 4,000 jobs across Scotland and the wider UK supply chain. On arrival at the shipyard, the Prince and Princess were met by Jacqueline McLaren, Lord Lieutenant of Glasgow, Sir Simon Lister, managing director, of BAE Systems Naval Ships and Commander Phil Burgess, senior naval officer on HMS Glasgow. 'It'a so great to see her, she's fantastic,' Kate said at first sight of the vessel. Cdr Burgess escorted the couple past a guard of honour made up of the ships company for a royal salute. The couple's long held rivalry was once again put to the test as they were tasked with racing to complete a pipe building challenge (pictured), a STEM exercise used to teach secondary school pupils A piper marked the start of the 25-minute ceremony before a P-8 Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft from 120 Squadron at RAF Lossiemouth performed a flypast. Sir Simon and Second Sealord Vice Admiral Sir Martin Connell, gave speeches. Sir Martin Connell thanked the Prince and Princess for their support in reaching the milestone. '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,' he said. '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 hailed the ship as 'a pure-bred Anti-Submarine Warfare platform, setting the standard for naval warfare', which was ready to 'meet the global and geopolitical challenges of today'. He continued: 'HMS Glasgow and her class represent the next chapter of naval innovation, safeguarding the UK's interests and contributing to national prosperity.' Sir Simon said the naming ceremony marked 'quite a moment' for Glasgow. 'There are many sons and daughters of this city here today and you should be proud to say you are helping Glasgow to flourish,' he said. 'HMS Glasgow is a reminder of the role ship building on the Clyde plays on the global stage', he added. 'Your efforts have started a legacy you should be rightly proud of, that will put us on a stronger footing for years to come. To HMS Glasgow, go well, fair winds and following seas'.
Daily Mail
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
The real reason Kate used a bottle of whisky instead of a champagne to officially name the Royal Navy's new warship
It's traditional to use champagne to christen a new ship - yet the Princess of Wales officially named HMS Glasgow on Thursday by smashing a bottle of local Scottish whisky against its hull. Kate, 43, was joined by her husband, Prince William, to conduct the traditional naming ritual at the BAE Systems' shipyard in Scotstoun, on the bank of the River Clyde in Glasgow. The mother-of-three asked why whisky was used rather than champagne and was told it was because Queen Elizabeth II had once christened a ship with whisky from Morrison Bowmore Distillers, which the Morrison family previously owned. Stepping up onto a podium before a crowd of several hundred BAE employees, their families and the 45-strong ship's company, Kate uttered the time-honoured words: 'I have the pleasure to name this ship HMS Glasgow, may God bless her and all who sail on her'. The Princess then flicked up a small red 'launch' button to release a bottle of exclusive single malt whisky made by the nearby Clydeside Distillery. The ceremonial act is said to bring good luck and fortune to the vessel and its crew. The distillery opened its doors in 2017, the same year that the HMS Glasgow build began, marking what is considered the start of two modern icons of Glasgow's maritime heritage. Each bottle of the whisky sold will include a donation to HMS Glasgow's chosen charity, Place2Be, of which the Princess is patron, and which supports children's mental health in the city. Before leaving yesterday's outing, the Prince and Princess were given a bottle of the Clydeside Distillery whisky. The couple visited the distillery when they were in Scotland for Cop26 in 2021. The Prince joked that he thought it a shame that the whisky was wasted by smashing a bottle on the ship. Tim Morrison, the distillery founder, suggested they use a drop of cold tea instead, to much laughter. Keeping her look suitably nautical for the outing, the royal sported a navy and white £1,850 coat dress from British brand Suzannah London and a matching statement hat from Philip Treacy, first worn at Trooping the Colour in 2024. The Princess was named sponsor of the 8,000-tonne warship, a state-of-the-art Type 26 anti-submarine frigate, in June 2021 and is said to hold 'a real interest' in the ship 'and in the lives of those who will serve onboard'. A year later, Kate met Royal Navy sailors from HMS Glasgow at Windsor Castle to hear about the ship's progress and their experiences in the Royal Navy. After the naming ceremony, the couple stepped aboard to meet representatives from BAE Systems who have been leading the delivery of the vessel, as well as others from the Royal Navy to discuss the ship's unique capabilities. The Princess was congratulated on naming the ship and appeared relieved it had gone to plan. The Prince and Princess were then driven a short distance down the road to the BAE Systems' Shipbuilding Academy to meet apprentices and graduates. They heard about the shipbuilding and maritime training the students have received, including craft trades such as fabrication, electrical, sheet metal work, welding, and pipefitting – all of which contributed to the construction of HMS Glasgow. The couple's long held rivalry was once again put to the test as they were tasked with racing to complete a pipe building challenge, a STEM exercise used to teach secondary school pupils. Aided by second year pipe apprentices Natalie Black and Rory Hamilton, the couple got to work building their pipes while chatting. As the Princess swiftly began screwing her pipes together, Ms Black told her: 'You look like you've done this before,' prompting the Princess to tell her it was her experience playing with the childrens' toys. Prince William, who spent more time chatting than building, later claimed he had not realised it was a race. Deborah Lynch, an early careers and skills practitioner at BAE, declared the Princess the winner, only for her pipe construction to collapse, prompting much laughter. The Princess was then asked to screw in a wing nut to complete an inclinometer, the gadget traditionally fixed to a ship to measure its tilt, which will be put on display in the bridge. The Princess appeared to be in great form as she shared a laugh while meeting apprentices and graduates during a visit to the BAE Systems' Shipbuilding Academy The Princess meets the Ship's company and their families at the official naming ceremony 'It's so beautifully made,' she said. 'I look forward to seeing that in place if I come back another day.' The Prince and Princess also met a cross-section of BAE Systems employees from different backgrounds, trades and skills involved in the building of the ship, and members of HMS Glasgow ship's company and their families. The Princess repeatedly described how impressed she was by the sheer scale of the ship, the number of people involved in the build and the technology on board. 'It's so exciting to see it all come together, all the technology is so impressive,' she marvelled. 'What's really interesting as well is seeing the international interest.' She admitted that she was still getting to grips with the naval language. 'I'm still learning all my naval lingo,' she told one woman. 'There are a lot of abbreviations that I don't fully understand. I've got a lot to learn.' The Princess told another employee: 'It's a really proud moment for the UK but particularly, Glasgow, because there's such international interest.' She met several children, parents and grandparents of employees, telling them it was so important for family members to come and see the work after 'so much time and effort had been invested' and to share the experience. 'It must be a very proud day for you, to see what your loved ones do on a day to day basis,' she told one grandmother. 'The technology is so advanced. Have you had a look around? I find it fascinating.' The Princess and the Prince of Wales (pictured) attending the ship's naming ceremony After the ceremony, William and Kate (pictured), known in Scotland as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay, boarded the ship and met representatives from BAE Systems, which has led the delivery of the vessel, and others from the Royal Navy who discussed the ship's capabilities She told another family member that the 3D animations she had seen 'looked very James Bond' and another that she hoped the sunny weather would prove 'a good omen' for the ship. The Princess was introduced to Lt Simon Hartland RN and his son, Teddy, 11. 'Have you got any aspirations to be in the Navy?' she asked Teddy. 'I was just hearing, there are so many jobs that you can do. Have you started coding yet? The Princess told some employees that it must be 'great to be part of something so new and cutting edge.' She added: 'Everyone's very excited about the gadgets on board, everyone's raving about them.' The Princess said: 'It's a very proud day for me to see all the hard work that's been going on behind the scenes.' Asking one young girl what she thought of HMS Glasgow, she said: 'She's pretty impressive. I'd seen a picture but I didn't realise she was going to be that big.' She told another employee: 'It's so special, when I saw her, I was like, 'wow'.' The Prince of Wales and The Princess of Wales, Sponsor HMS Glasgow, attend the ship's naming ceremony at the BAE Systems' shipyard The Princess also met the local jewellers who designed the brooch she wore for the occasion. James Porter & Son, established in 1858, is based in Glasgow's historic Argyll Arcade and is one of Scotland's oldest jewellers. Simon Porter said they had been asked to design a brooch based on HMS Glasgow's crest. 'It was an absolute honour to see her wearing it,' he said. 'Against a plain navy background it really stood out.' The brooch was funded by two London livery companies, the Worshipful Company of Fan Makers and the Worshipful Company of Merchant Taylors. The ship, the first of eight planned Type 26 frigates, is designed to provide protection to the UK's nuclear deterrent and aircraft carriers. It features advanced systems such as the Sea Ceptor anti-air missile system, a 5-inch naval gun, and the capability to carry both Wildcat and Merlin helicopters. The construction of the eight frigates has sustained 4,000 jobs across Scotland and the wider UK supply chain. On arrival at the shipyard, the Prince and Princess were met by Jacqueline McLaren, Lord Lieutenant of Glasgow, Sir Simon Lister, managing director, of BAE Systems Naval Ships and Commander Phil Burgess, senior naval officer on HMS Glasgow. 'It'a so great to see her, she's fantastic,' Kate said at first sight of the vessel. Cdr Burgess escorted the couple past a guard of honour made up of the ships company for a royal salute. A piper marked the start of the 25-minute ceremony before a P-8 Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft from 120 Squadron at RAF Lossiemouth performed a flypast. Sir Simon and Second Sealord Vice Admiral Sir Martin Connell, gave speeches. Sir Martin Connell thanked the Prince and Princess for their support in reaching the milestone. '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,' he said. '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 couple's long held rivalry was once again put to the test as they were tasked with racing to complete a pipe building challenge (pictured), a STEM exercise used to teach secondary school pupils 'The result of this being 11 battle honours – HMS Glasgow's pedigree is awe inspiring.' He hailed the ship as 'a pure-bred Anti-Submarine Warfare platform, setting the standard for naval warfare', which was ready to 'meet the global and geopolitical challenges of today'. He continued: 'HMS Glasgow and her class represent the next chapter of naval innovation, safeguarding the UK's interests and contributing to national prosperity.' Sir Simon said the naming ceremony marked 'quite a moment' for Glasgow. 'There are many sons and daughters of this city here today and you should be proud to say you are helping Glasgow to flourish,' he said. 'HMS Glasgow is a reminder of the role ship building on the Clyde plays on the global stage', he added. 'Your efforts have started a legacy you should be rightly proud of, that will put us on a stronger footing for years to come. To HMS Glasgow, go well, fair winds and following seas'.
Daily Mail
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Prince William makes hilarious quip to the crowd after royal fan calls Kate Middleton 'beautiful' during Glasgow visit
Prince William made a witty remark to the crowd this afternoon after a royal fan called Kate 'beautiful' during their trip to Glasgow. The Prince and Princess of Wales conducted the traditional naming ritual of HMS Glasgow at the BAE Systems' shipyard in Scotstoun, on the bank of the River Clyde. Kate, 43, officially named HMS Glasgow by smashing a bottle of local Scottish whisky against its hull. Keeping her look suitably nautical for the outing, the royal sported a navy and white £1,850 coat dress from British brand Suzannah London and a matching statement hat from Philip Treacy, first worn at Trooping the Colour in 2024. As the couple departed, one wellwisher from the crowd couldn't resist telling the princess, 'you're beautiful!' And in an effort not to leave her husband out, they added: 'You too, William!', in footage recorded by local news outlet Clyde News. Clearly amused by the surprise compliment, William, 42, quipped: 'You don't have to say that, don't worry!' The crowd then burst into laughter at his self-deprecating comment, as the couple bid goodbye after a busy afternoon. Earlier, stepping up onto a podium before a crowd of several hundred BAE employees, their families and the 45-strong ship's company, Kate uttered the time-honoured words: 'I have the pleasure to name this ship HMS Glasgow, may God bless her and all who sail on her'. The Princess then flicked up a small red 'launch' button to release a bottle of exclusive single malt whisky made by the nearby Clydeside Distillery. The ceremonial act is said to bring good luck and fortune to the vessel and its crew. The distillery opened its doors in 2017, the same year that the HMS Glasgow build began, marking what is considered the start of two modern icons of Glasgow's maritime heritage. Each bottle of the whisky sold will include a donation to HMS Glasgow's chosen charity, Place2Be, of which the Princess is patron, and which supports children's mental health in the city. The Princess was named sponsor of the 8,000-tonne warship, a state-of-the-art Type 26 anti-submarine frigate, in June 2021 and is said to hold 'a real interest' in the ship 'and in the lives of those who will serve onboard'. A year later, Kate met Royal Navy sailors from HMS Glasgow at Windsor Castle to hear about the ship's progress and their experiences in the Royal Navy. The Prince and Princess of Wales have left Glasgow Someone there to catch a glimpse shouts: 'You're beautiful!' to Kate - before adding 'You too, William' The royal couple were attending an official naming ceremony for HMS Glasgow at BAE Systems — Clyde 1 News (@Clyde1News) May 22, 2025 The Princess of Wales (pictured) was all smiles as she attended the official naming of a new Royal Navy warship in Glasgow After today's naming ceremony, the couple stepped aboard to meet representatives from BAE Systems who have been leading the delivery of the vessel, as well as others from the Royal Navy to discuss the ship's unique capabilities. The Princess was congratulated on naming the ship and appeared relieved it had gone to plan. The Prince and Princess were then driven a short distance down the road to the BAE Systems' Shipbuilding Academy to meet apprentices and graduates. They heard about the shipbuilding and maritime training the students have received, including craft trades such as fabrication, electrical, sheet metal work, welding, and pipefitting – all of which contributed to the construction of HMS Glasgow. The couple's long held rivalry was once again put to the test as they were tasked with racing to complete a pipe building challenge, a STEM exercise used to teach secondary school pupils. Aided by second year pipe apprentices Natalie Black and Rory Hamilton, the couple got to work building their pipes while chatting. After the naming ceremony, the couple stepped aboard to meet representatives from BAE Systems who have been leading the delivery of the vessel, as well as others from the Royal Navy to discuss the ship's unique capabilities. Pictured, Kate at the event today As the Princess swiftly began screwing her pipes together, Ms Black told her: 'You look like you've done this before,' prompting the Princess to tell her it was her experience playing with the childrens' toys. Prince William, who spent more time chatting than building, later claimed he had not realised it was a race. Deborah Lynch, an early careers and skills practitioner at BAE, declared the Princess the winner, only for her pipe construction to collapse, prompting much laughter. The Princess was then asked to screw in a wing nut to complete an inclinometer, the gadget traditionally fixed to a ship to measure its tilt, which will be put on display in the bridge. 'It's so beautifully made,' she said. 'I look forward to seeing that in place if I come back another day.' The Prince and Princess also met a cross-section of BAE Systems employees from different backgrounds, trades and skills involved in the building of the ship, and members of HMS Glasgow ship's company and their families. The Princess repeatedly described how impressed she was by the sheer scale of the ship, the number of people involved in the build and the technology on board. 'It's so exciting to see it all come together, all the technology is so impressive,' she marvelled. 'What's really interesting as well is seeing the international interest.' The Princess and the Prince of Wales (pictured) attending the ship's naming ceremony After the ceremony, William and Kate (pictured), known in Scotland as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay, boarded the ship and met representatives from BAE Systems, which has led the delivery of the vessel, and others from the Royal Navy who discussed the ship's capabilities The Princess (pictured) talked to the crowd as she attended the naming ceremony She admitted that she was still getting to grips with the naval language. 'I'm still learning all my naval lingo,' she told one woman. 'There are a lot of abbreviations that I don't fully understand. I've got a lot to learn.' The Princess told another employee: 'It's a really proud moment for the UK but particularly, Glasgow, because there's such international interest.' She met several children, parents and grandparents of employees, telling them it was so important for family members to come and see the work after 'so much time and effort had been invested' and to share the experience. 'It must be a very proud day for you, to see what your loved ones do on a day to day basis,' she told one grandmother. 'The technology is so advanced. Have you had a look around? I find it fascinating.' She told another family member that the 3D animations she had seen 'looked very James Bond' and another that she hoped the sunny weather would prove 'a good omen' for the ship. The Princess was introduced to Lt Simon Hartland RN and his son, Teddy, 11. 'Have you got any aspirations to be in the Navy?' she asked Teddy. 'I was just hearing, there are so many jobs that you can do. Have you started coding yet? The Princess told some employees that it must be 'great to be part of something so new and cutting edge.' The Prince of Wales and The Princess of Wales, Sponsor HMS Glasgow, attend the ship's naming ceremony at the BAE Systems' shipyard She added: 'Everyone's very excited about the gadgets on board, everyone's raving about them.' The Princess said: 'It's a very proud day for me to see all the hard work that's been going on behind the scenes.' Asking one young girl what she thought of HMS Glasgow, she said: 'She's pretty impressive. I'd seen a picture but I didn't realise she was going to be that big.' She told another employee: 'It's so special, when I saw her, I was like, 'wow'.' Before leaving, the Prince and Princess were given a bottle of the Clydeside Distillery whisky. The couple visited the distillery when they were in Scotland for Cop26 in 2021. The Prince joked that he thought it a shame that the whisky was wasted by smashing a bottle on the ship. Tim Morrison, the distillery founder, suggested they use a drop of cold tea instead, to much laughter. The Princess asked why whisky was used rather than champagne and was told it was because Elizabeth II had once christened a ship with whisky from Morrison Bowmore Distillers, which the Morrison family previously owned. The Princess (pictured) told some employees that it must be 'great to be part of something so new and cutting edge' The Princess was named sponsor of the 8,000-tonne warship (pictured), a state-of-the-art Type 26 anti-submarine frigate, in June 2021 and is said to hold 'a real interest' in the ship 'and in the lives of those who will serve onboard' The Princess also met the local jewellers who designed the brooch she wore for the occasion. James Porter & Son, established in 1858, is based in Glasgow's historic Argyll Arcade and is one of Scotland's oldest jewellers. Simon Porter said they had been asked to design a brooch based on HMS Glasgow's crest. 'It was an absolute honour to see her wearing it,' he said. 'Against a plain navy background it really stood out.' The brooch was funded by two London livery companies, the Worshipful Company of Fan Makers and the Worshipful Company of Merchant Taylors. The ship, the first of eight planned Type 26 frigates, is designed to provide protection to the UK's nuclear deterrent and aircraft carriers. It features advanced systems such as the Sea Ceptor anti-air missile system, a 5-inch naval gun, and the capability to carry both Wildcat and Merlin helicopters. The construction of the eight frigates has sustained 4,000 jobs across Scotland and the wider UK supply chain. On arrival at the shipyard, the Prince and Princess were met by Jacqueline McLaren, Lord Lieutenant of Glasgow, Sir Simon Lister, managing director, of BAE Systems Naval Ships and Commander Phil Burgess, senior naval officer on HMS Glasgow. 'It'a so great to see her, she's fantastic,' Kate said at first sight of the vessel. Cdr Burgess escorted the couple past a guard of honour made up of the ships company for a royal salute. A piper marked the start of the 25-minute ceremony before a P-8 Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft from 120 Squadron at RAF Lossiemouth performed a flypast. Sir Simon and Second Sealord Vice Admiral Sir Martin Connell, gave speeches. Sir Martin Connell thanked the Prince and Princess for their support in reaching the milestone. '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,' he said. '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 hailed the ship as 'a pure-bred Anti-Submarine Warfare platform, setting the standard for naval warfare', which was ready to 'meet the global and geopolitical challenges of today'. He continued: 'HMS Glasgow and her class represent the next chapter of naval innovation, safeguarding the UK's interests and contributing to national prosperity.' Sir Simon said the naming ceremony marked 'quite a moment' for Glasgow. 'There are many sons and daughters of this city here today and you should be proud to say you are helping Glasgow to flourish,' he said. 'HMS Glasgow is a reminder of the role ship building on the Clyde plays on the global stage', he added.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kate Middleton Breaks Whisky Bottle in Ship Naming Tradition on Scotland Trip with Prince William
Kate Middleton and Prince William have shipped up to Scotland. The Prince and Princess of Wales stepped out at the BAE Systems' shipyard in Scotstoun, Glasgow, on May 22, where Kate had a special duty. After being appointed as the sponsor of HMS Glasgow, a state-of-the-art anti-submarine frigate, in June 2021, Princess Kate took part in the Royal Navy ship's official naming ceremony. Stepping up to a microphone, the Princess of Wales said, "I have the pleasure to name this ship: HMS Glasgow. May God bless her and all who sail on her." Kate then pressed a button that released a bottle of whisky, which broke against the ship's hull in a naming tradition and prompted applause from the crowd gathered. Following the ceremony, the royal couple went aboard the ship and met representatives leading the delivery of the ship, apprentices and graduates of the Shipbuilding Academy and Royal Navy members, who discussed the ship's construction and capabilities. In 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. Prince William, 42, and Princess Kate, 43, recently visited Scotland — where they go by the titles of Duke and Duchess of Rothesay — in April, celebrating their 14th wedding anniversary in the country where they first met and fell in love. The pair first crossed paths as college students at the University of St. Andrews. Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! One day before the ship naming outing, Prince William had a solo engagement in Scotland on May 21, visiting the Leith Community Centre, where he showed off his soccer skills and was gifted a piece of artwork supporting his favorite team, Aston Villa. Earlier in the week, the Prince and Princess of Wales stepped out together to help host a Buckingham Palace garden party. Read the original article on People
