THE red carpet was rolled out, champagne put on ice and the world’s newest cruise ship, Royal Princess, was ready to welcome the Duchess of Cambridge in Southampton today.
Royal mum-to-be Kate was due to make her first visit to the city to act as “Godmother” to the brand new vessel, which she was to officially name in a spectacular dockside ceremony.
It is her last official solo engagement before she takes maternity leave.
Last night hundreds of invited guests attended a gala dinner hosted by Princess Cruises on board the Italianbuilt vessel.
With the heavens opening a spectacular fireworks display was called off and singer Beverley Knight’s performance was moved into the atrium.
But that did not take the sparkle off the evening with a star-studded guest list.
Among celebrities from television, theatre and film were actor and director Samantha Womack, soap star Scott Maslen, model Caprice and singers Lemar and Atomic Kitten’s Liz McClaron.
TV legends Sir Bruce Forsyth and Des O’Connor were also seen fondly chatting about old times.
A strict security cordon was thrown around the Ocean Terminal in the Eastern Docks in readiness for the Duchess’s arrival today.
The 141,000-ton Royal Princess looked immaculate with gleaming marble, highly polished brass, sparkling chandeliers and displays of fresh flowers as the final touches were put in place for the royal visitor.
With just a few weeks to go before the Duchess gives birth to her first child, Royal Princess crew members were set to line the decks as she stepped on board for a short guided tour with the ship’s master, Captain Tony Draper.
Kate was due to be presented with a bouquet by Cadet Oliver Batty from Fareham.
The Band of the Royal Marines, and pipers from the Irish Guards were all to be on parade during the ceremony in which the Duchess was set to say the famous words: “I name this ship...”
Singer Natasha Bedingfield was also ready to perform as part of the celebrations, which have been spread over two days.
Royal Princess is scheduled to leave port today 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 in the Caribbean for the w i n t e r months.
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