Princess Kate fulfilled her role as Sponsor of HMS Glasgow today by formally naming the ship during a ceremony in Scotstoun, Glasgow.
She pressed a button, releasing a bottle of whisky that smashed against the ship's hull, a traditional act intended to bring good fortune to the vessel and its crew.
Prince William watched on as his wife performed the ceremonial duties. The Princess of Wales declared: "I name this Ship HMS Glasgow, may God bless her and all who sail on her."
The whisky used was an exclusive single malt produced by The Clydeside Distillery, made just a short distance from the HMS Glasgow site.
Prince William watches on as Princess Kate smashes whisky bottle in Scotland
Kensington Palace
Each bottle includes a contribution to HMS Glasgow's chosen charity, Place2Be, which supports children's mental health in Glasgow and counts the Princess as its Patron.
The Type 26 frigate, which is still under construction, is being built for the Royal Navy and is the first in class anti-submarine warfare ship. Princess Kate became sponsor of the vessel in 2022.
The royal couple were welcomed with a Royal Salute upon their arrival at the shipyard, followed by a fly past to mark the occasion.
As Sponsor, a key part of the Princess's role is to formally name the ship, an act steeped in naval tradition.
Princess Kate gave a speech at the historic ceremony
Kensington Palace
The naming ceremony represents an important milestone for HMS Glasgow, which will eventually join the Royal Navy's fleet of advanced warships.
The Princess's participation continues the royal family's long association with the armed forces and shipbuilding traditions in the United Kingdom.
Following the naming ceremony, the Prince and Princess of Wales went aboard HMS Glasgow to meet with representatives from BAE Systems and the Royal Navy.
During this tour, the royal couple discussed the construction of the ship and its capabilities with the experts involved in the project.
Princess Kate wore the colours of the Scottish flag today.Kensington PalaceThe visit provided an opportunity for the Princess, as Sponsor, to gain deeper insight into the vessel she had just named.
HMS Glasgow represents a significant investment in the Royal Navy's capabilities, particularly in anti-submarine warfare.
The royal couple showed keen interest in understanding the technical aspects of the ship's construction and its future role in naval operations.
Their engagement with both the technical teams and naval personnel highlighted the importance of the relationship between the monarchy and Britain's defence forces.
Princess Kate and Prince William arrive in Glasgow for historic joint ceremonyKensington PalaceThe royal visit continued at the BAE Systems Shipbuilding academy, where William and Kate participated in a STEM activity with apprentices.
This engagement highlighted the royal couple's support for technical education and skills development in the shipbuilding industry.
Following this, Their Royal Highnesses met with BAE Systems employees who had been involved in constructing HMS Glasgow.
They also spent time with members of HMS Glasgow Ship's Company and their families.
