Dutchess of Cambridge to be godmother to Royal Princess

The ceremony at which The Duchess will name the ship will take place in Southampton on Thursday June 13, and will be the highlight of week-long inaugural celebrations to welcome the vessel into service.

The naming will include the blessing, a performance by the Royal Marines Band and the pipers of the Irish Guards.

Alan Buckelew, the line’s president and chief executive, said: “It is a great honour for Princess Cruises that Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge has accepted our invitation to become the godmother to Royal Princess. 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.”    Royal Princess will arrive at the Ocean Terminal in Southampton on Friday June 7 where she will commence a series of events for customers and travel agents, including a special naming gala on the evening of Wednesday June 12. The ship’s inaugural celebrations will conclude with her maiden voyage on June 16.