Nautical Princess Catherine stuns at ship-naming ceremony in Scotland

Princess Catherine has continued to ramp up her royal duties, this time attending a ship-naming ceremony in Glasgow where she very much stepped into the naval theme.

Princess Catherine has sported an on-brand nautical ensemble as she officially named the HMS Glasgow in Scotland by smashing a bottle of local whisky against its hull.

Joined by her husband, Prince William, she said the time-honoured words: “I have the pleasure to name this ship HMS Glasgow, may God bless her and all who sail on her.”

She then flicked a small red “launch” button to conduct the traditional naming ritual at the BAE Systems’ shipyard in Scotstoun, on the bank of the River Clyde in Glasgow.

Princess Catherine during the naming ceremony for HMS Glasgow, at the BAE Systems shipyard in Scotstoun, Glasgow. Picture: AFP

Princess Catherine, with Prince William, leaned into the nautical theme at a ship-naming ceremony in Glasgow. Picture: AFP

Prince William and Princess Catherine visit the BAE Systems' Shipbuilding Academy to at the BAE Systems shipyard in Scotstoun, Glasgow. Picture: The Scottish Sun, Pool via AP

A bottle of exclusive single malt whisky made by the nearby Clydeside Distillery smashed into the hull in the maritime tradition.

Keeping her look suitably nautical for the outing, the royal sported a navy and white $4000 coat dress from British brand Suzannah London and a matching statement hat from the royals’ favourite milliner, Philip Treacy, first worn at Trooping the Colour in 2024.

Princess Catherine meets with apprentices and graduates. Picture: AFP

Her navy outfit followed a cue from her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, who would sometimes nod to military jobs by wearing outfits with similar homage.

The princess has been the ship’s sponsor since 2021 and this was her first naming ceremony for a naval vessel.

Just a year later, Catherine 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 ceremony, which officially launches the ship, the royal couple boarded the vessel and met with representatives from UK defence manufacturer BAE Systems.

Princess Catherine is ramping up her royal duties again. Picture: AFP

Princess Catherine was all smiles in Glasgow. Picture: AFP

The Prince and Princess visited the BAE Systems’ shipbuilding academy to meet apprentices and graduates and hear about the shipbuilding and maritime training the students received.

The students are taught an incredible range of skills at the academy, which were used to build the boat, including craft trades like fabrication, sheet metal work, welding, and pipe fitting.

The event ended with the future King and Queen meeting a employees from BAE Systems, who have a wide variety of skills, trades and backgrounds before meeting the ship’s company and their families.

The royal couple made headlines just days ago when they hosted a lavish garden party in the gardens of Buckingham Palace.

Originally published as Nautical Princess Catherine stuns at ship-naming ceremony in Scotland