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Duchess of Cambridge makes final solo visit before baby Duchess of Cambridge makes final solo visit before baby
(about 1 hour later)
The Duchess of Cambridge has officially named a new cruise ship on her last solo public engagement before she is due to give birth in July.The Duchess of Cambridge has officially named a new cruise ship on her last solo public engagement before she is due to give birth in July.
She attended a ceremony and briefly toured the 3,600 passenger liner.She attended a ceremony and briefly toured the 3,600 passenger liner.
It is a long-standing Royal tradition, with Diana, Princess of Wales naming the ship's predecessor in 1984.It is a long-standing Royal tradition, with Diana, Princess of Wales naming the ship's predecessor in 1984.
The duchess' final official engagement before giving birth is expected to be on Saturday when she attends the Trooping the Colour.The duchess' final official engagement before giving birth is expected to be on Saturday when she attends the Trooping the Colour.
Officially naming the Royal Princess cruise ship, she told onlookers: "May God bless her and all who sail in her", before smashing a large bottle of champagne over the liner's hull.Officially naming the Royal Princess cruise ship, she told onlookers: "May God bless her and all who sail in her", before smashing a large bottle of champagne over the liner's hull.
Other women to have named Princess Cruises' vessels in the past include Lady Thatcher, Audrey Hepburn and Sophia Loren.Other women to have named Princess Cruises' vessels in the past include Lady Thatcher, Audrey Hepburn and Sophia Loren.
The duchess accepted an invitation to name the 1,000ft ship and become its "godmother" in line with the company's tradition.The duchess accepted an invitation to name the 1,000ft ship and become its "godmother" in line with the company's tradition.
BBC correspondent John Kay said she was looking well and relaxed.BBC correspondent John Kay said she was looking well and relaxed.
'British heritage'
Italian firm Fincantieri built the ship for Princess Cruises, which is part of Miami-based Carnival Corporation - the biggest cruise company in the world.Italian firm Fincantieri built the ship for Princess Cruises, which is part of Miami-based Carnival Corporation - the biggest cruise company in the world.
The Royal Princess, which is set to depart Southampton for Barcelona on Sunday, will go on Mediterranean cruises this summer followed by eastern Caribbean cruises beginning in the autumn.The Royal Princess, which is set to depart Southampton for Barcelona on Sunday, will go on Mediterranean cruises this summer followed by eastern Caribbean cruises beginning in the autumn.
President and chief executive of Princess Cruises Alan Buckelew said: "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."President and chief executive of Princess Cruises Alan Buckelew said: "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."
Pop singer Natasha Bedingfield, the Royal Marines Band and the pipers of the Irish Guards are performing at the ceremony.Pop singer Natasha Bedingfield, the Royal Marines Band and the pipers of the Irish Guards are performing at the ceremony.
The Right Reverend Tim Dakin, Bishop of Winchester, read a prayer before the duchess named the ship.The Right Reverend Tim Dakin, Bishop of Winchester, read a prayer before the duchess named the ship.