The eyes of the world will be on Southampton when royal mum-to-be the Duchess of Cambridge officially names the latest international cruise ship in Southampton tomorrow.

Newspapers, television and radio stations from around the globe have all been clamoring to be on the Southampton dockside to watch as Kate officially names the 141,000 ton Royal Princess.

The fact the Duchess has agreed to be the guest-of-honour is an enormous coup for the ship’s operators, Princess Cruises, together with the port as her high-profile presence will be seen as support for the British cruising industry, the city’s biggest single employer and economic powerbase.

Today the public will be able to see a glittering firework display, beginning at 10.30pm, set to light up the night sky over Royal Princess as part of the naming celebrations.

The traditional ceremony during which Kate will say the famous words: “I name this ship...” and send a magnum of champagne crashing against the vessel’s massive hull, is due to take place on the quayside tomorrow morning.

Daily Echo: Royal Princess

Temporary grandstands have been built on the dockside to accommodate the many hundreds of official guests who have been invited by Princess Cruises to witness the spectacular ceremony, which will include the band of the Royal Marines and the pipers from the Irish Guards.

Singer Natasha Bedingfield will also perform during the centuries-old ceremony, taking place behind strict security.

Kate will be given a brief tour of Royal Princess during which she will accompanied by the vessel’s master, Captain Tony Draper.

Royal Princess is due to leave the port on Friday afternoon for a short, two-night preview voyage, while she will depart on her inaugural maiden voyage on Sunday afternoon.

During the summer Royal Princess will be based in the Mediterranean before she is repositioned to the Caribbean for the winter months.