Kate Middleton wows in navy as she smashes whisky against ship in naming ceremony

A glamorous officially named a warship by smashing a bottle of whisky against its hull in huge military procession. The Princess was joined by her husband, , to conduct the traditional naming ritual at the BAE Systems' shipyard in Scotstoun, on the bank of the River Clyde in Glasgow.

Stepping up onto a podium before a crowd of several hundred BAE employees, their families and the 45-strong ship’s company, she uttered the time-honoured words: "I have the pleasure to name thjs ship HMS Glasgow, may God bless her and all who sail on her". Kate then flicked up a small red 'launch' button to release a bottle of exclusive single malt whisky made by the nearby Clydeside Distillery. The ceremonial act is said to bring good luck and fortune to the vessel and its crew.

The distillery opened its doors in 2017, the same year that the HMS Glasgow build began, marking what is considered the start of two modern icons of Glasgow’s maritime heritage.

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Each bottle of the whisky sold will include a donation to HMS Glasgow’s chosen charity, Place2Be, of which the Princess is patron, and which supports children’s mental health in the city.

The princess, who wore a navy and white Suzannah London coat dress in the colours of the Scottish flag and a thistle brooch, was named sponsor of the 8,000-tonne warship, a state-of-the-art Type 26 anti-submarine frigate, in June 2021 and is said to hold “a real interest” in the ship “and in the lives of those who will serve onboard”. The ship, the first of eight planned Type 26 frigates. is designed to provide protection to the UK's nuclear deterrent and aircraft carriers.

It features advanced systems such as the Sea Ceptor anti-air missile system, a 5-inch naval gun, and the capability to carry both Wildcat and Merlin helicopters. The construction of the eight frigates has sustained 4,000 jobs across and the wider UK supply chain.

On arrival at the shipyard, the Prince and Princess were met by Jacqueline McLaren, Lord Lieutenant of Glasgow, Sir Simon Lister, managing director, of BAE Systems Naval Ships and Commander Phil Burgess, senior naval officer on HMS Glasgow. “It’s so great to see her, she’s fantastic,” the Princess said at first sight of the vessel.

Cdr Burgess escorted the couple past a guard of honour made up of the ships company for a royal salute. A piper marked the start of the 25-minute ceremony before a P-8 Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft from 120 Squadron at RAF Lossiemouth performed a flypast. Sir Simon and Second Sealord Vice Admiral Sir Martin Connell, gave speeches.

Sir Martin Connell thanked the Prince and Princess for their support in reaching the milestone. “From the first ever HMS Glasgow, sailing under the Royal Navy flag at the end of the 17th Century to the ship we see here in the 21st Century, HMS Glasgow has evolved and adapted to meet the warfighting and operational demands of its day,” he said.

“Each metamorphosis saw shipbuilders adapting materials and designs so that crews could operate each successive HMS Glasgow on operations and in conflict and war. The result of this being 11 battle honours – HMS Glasgow’s pedigree is awe inspiring.”

He hailed the ship as “a pure-bred Anti-Submarine Warfare platform, setting the standard for naval warfare”, which was ready to “meet the global and geopolitical challenges of today”. He continued: “HMS Glasgow and her class represent the next chapter of naval innovation, safeguarding the UK’s interests and contributing to national prosperity.” Sir Simon said the naming ceremony marked “quite a moment” for Glasgow.

“There are many sons and daughters of this city here today and you should be proud to say you are helping Glasgow to flourish,” he said. "HMS Glasgow is a reminder of the role ship building on the Clyde plays on the global stage, he added. “Your efforts have started a legacy you should be rightly proud of, that will put us on a stronger footing for years to come. “To HMS Glasgow, go well, fair winds and following seas”.

After the ceremony, the royal couple went onboard the ship and met representatives from BAE Systems and the Royal Navy who will discuss the construction of the ship and its capabilities. Later, the prince and princess will go to the BAE Systems Shipbuilding academy where they will partake in a STEM activity with apprentices.

Before leaving, they will also meet with BAE Systems employees who have been involved in the construction of the ship and members of HMS Glasgow Ship’s Company and their families, to acknowledge the immense efforts of the local workforce, the commitment of the crew and the sacrifices made by the families of serving personnel.