LONDON (AP) — The Duchess of Cambridge has officially named a cruise liner at a gala ceremony.
The former Kate Middleton, wearing a black and white print coat and a black hat, boarded the Royal Princess for the naming ceremony, which included a blessing and the traditional smashing of a bottle across the hull.
The duchess cut a ribbon that set the bottle free moments before it broke open against the hull.
The ceremony in Southampton today included a brief tour of the ship for the duchess, who is expected to give birth to her and Prince William’s first child in mid-July.
It is expected to be her final solo engagement before the birth, although she is expected to join other senior royals at the upcoming Trooping the Color ceremony.
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