Kate Middleton Christens Italian Built Ship

words by Carol King Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, christened the largest cruise ship ever built by Fincantieri in Italy The ship is Princess Cruises’ ‘Royal Princess’, which was docked at Southampton in England. The pregnant Duchess named the ship saying: “I name this ship Royal Princess. May God bless her and all who sail in her.” She then cut a blue ribbon tethering a 15-litre Nebuchadnezzar of champagne. The bubbly smashed into the side of the ship. Princess Cruises’ UK director Paul Ludlow said: “Of all the people who could be considered as potential godmothers, she must be at the very top of the list.” Formed in 1959, Italian shipbuilding company Fincantieri - Cantieri Navali Italiani is based in Trieste. It is the largest shipbuilder in Europe and one of the largest in the world. The ‘Royal Princess’ is a 3,600-passenger vessel. The christening was the Duchess’ final public engagement before taking maternity leave. She and her husband Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, are expecting their first baby, which is due on 13 July. The Prince’s mother, Diana, Princess of Wales named an earlier ship called ‘Royal Princess’ in 1984.