Kate Wears Hobbs in Last Public Appearance Before the Arrival of the Royal Baby

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/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

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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.

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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

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.