Queen Victoria was famous for being not amused but Southampton’s cruise ship of the same name was tickled pink to help launch a major charity appeal on the other side of the world.

The Cunard vessel was bathed in vibrant pink as she was illuminated by a battery of powerful lights while berthed at Sydney’s Circular Quay during a visit to Australia as part of a world cruise.

Australia’s National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) turned Queen Victoria pink as part of a major fundraising event held on board the Cunarder.

Peter Shanks, Cunard’s president and managing director, said: “Pink has become synonymous with the fight against breast cancer so we were delighted to offer NBCF the opportunity to boost awareness of research and claim a world first by being the first to illuminate a liner in pink.’’ Later this year Queen Victoria will be joined in Southampton by her new sister-ship, Queen Elizabeth, bringing Cunard’s fleet, which also includes Queen Mary 2, up to three vessels, all based in the city.