Duchess of Cambridge Names ‘Royal Princess’ Cruise Ship

The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton christened the new cruise ship called Royal Princess on Thursday. This is her last solo public appearance before she is due to give birth to her first child in mid-July, Buckingham Palace announced.

She was glowing in her black and white print maternity dress and matching black head piece as she said:

“I name this ship Royal Princess, may God bless her and all who sail in her.”

The baby bump was clearly visible in her outfit as it should, a month before the couple’s baby is born. Her husband is of course, Prince Willian, second in line to the throne of England.

The champagne bottle used for the ceremony was a 4-gallon (15-liter), $1,500 Moet and Chandon Champagne . It was so heavy she couldn’t swing it herself, but she cut a ribbon that launched the bottle toward the hull, where it smashed to pieces while the crowds cheered.

The Duchess of Cambridge seemed to be enjoying herself and was seen mingling with officers on board and other VIPs who attended the ceremony. She seems to be over her morning sickness episodes.

She had a rough time early in her pregnancy with an acute case of the condition called Hyperemesis Gravidarum, and was hospitalized briefly late last year to control her symptoms. It seems that after the first trimester she has been feeling better, but has kept her duties light.

Even though this is her last solo appearance she is expected to join other royals at the upcoming Trooping the Color ceremony.

The christening ceremony included a formal blessing and a prayer from the Bishop of Winchester as well as a performance by pop star Natasha Bedingfield. The Duchess was given a brief tour of the ship.

The Duchess of Cambridge’s visit brings attention to the new 3,600-passenger Royal Princess, which is scheduled to begin cruising the Mediterranean this summer.

[Image via Featureflash / Shutterstock.com]