Daily Mail/Getty Images
In her last solo public appearance before her baby is due, Kate flew to Southampton via helicopter for the naming ceremony of the 3,600 passenger cruise ship in front of hundreds of guests.
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Daily Mail/Andrew Parsons/I-Images
Daily Mail/Andrew Parsons/I-Images
Daily Mail/Getty Images
The ship was officially christened the Royal Princess when the Duchess of Cambridge smashed a 15-litre Nebuchadnezzar-sized bottle from Moet & Chandon (£1,250) of champagne against its hull.
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Standing on the naming platform with the ship’s Captain Tony Draper, Kate pronounced, “I name this ship Royal Princess. May God bless her and all who sail in her.”
Daily Mail
Mirror/PA
The naming of a ship is a tradition that dates back thousands of years. The ritual marks the birth of a vessel, and asks for a blessing of good fortune and safety for the ship and its passengers and crew.
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Mirror/AFP
The most important element of the naming tradition is the godmother selected to christen a ship. In the mid-19th century it became customary for a woman of distinction to be selected for this honor. A godmother is the symbolic patron, or sponsor, of the ship through its entire life and symbolizes the spirit of the vessel.
Huffington Post
Princess Cruises has a history of illustrious godmothers for past ships including Diana, Princess of Wales, who named the first Royal Princess in 1984. Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren, and Baroness Thatcher have all been godmothers in the past.
Daily Mail/Tim Rooke/Rex Features
Hobbs London
Hobbs London
Daily Mail/Zed Jameson/FamesFlynet.uk.com
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The Duchess of Cambridge showed off her baby bump in a £169 black and ivory Dalmatian print coat by high street brand, Hobbs London (sold out). The collarless coat hung to her knees, and featured two front pockets.
Details from the Hobbs London Website:
Length:96cm
Sleeve: Long
Sleeve Color: Black Ivory
Fabric composition:55% flax 45% viscose
Lining:100% acetate
Washing instructions: Dry clean
Style code:4001
Extra detail: Visible zip
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Kate complimented her statement look with a matching black hat by Sylvia Fletcher for Lock & Co Hatters, stylish new box clutch (Wicca Mini leather satchel - $1,095 and no longer available) by Alexander McQueen and her favorite black court shoes.
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Her jewelry was kept to a minimum as she wore her Annoushka diamond and pearl drops and her sapphire and diamond engagement ring.
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Daily Mail/AFP/Getty Images
Daily Mail/Getty Images
Daily Mail/Getty Images
Daily Mail/Getty Images
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