The Princess of Wales was the epitome of elegance as she formally named the HMS Glasgow. Catherine, accompanied by Prince William, attended the naming ceremony held on Thursday at the BAE Systems shipyard in Scotstoun, Glasgow, Scotland. Her Royal Highness stunned wearing a coat dress from Suzannah London for the joint engagement.
© ANDY BARR/POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesDescribed by the designer as "chic, polished, and tailored to perfection," the Princess' coat dress was "inspired by vintage couture" and "cut from navy Italian wool crepe, trimmed with ivory accents and fully lined in silk satin." Catherine completed her nautical look on May 22 with a matching Philip Treacy hat, her late mother-in-law Princess Diana's sapphire and diamond drop earrings and suede beige pumps.
During their outing, the Prince and Princess were filmed waving at well-wishers. "You're beautiful," one shouted in a video posted on Instagram, "You too, William!" The heir to the throne then replied, "You don't have to say that. Don't worry."
Before smashing a bottle of whisky against the ship's hull on May 22, the Duchess of Rothesay, as Catherine is known in Scotland, said: "I name this ship Glasgow. May God bless her and all who serve in her."
The HMS Glasgow, which is an advanced anti-submarine warfare vessel, is the first of eight Type 26 frigates. "It's so great to see her, she's fantastic," the Princess said of the ship on Thursday, per HELLO!.
It was announced in 2021 that Queen Elizabeth had appointed Catherine sponsor of the ship. Prince William shared the news during a solo visit to BAE Systems shipyard in Glasgow at the time. In a speech back then, Prince William said (via HELLO!): "My family's affection for the Royal Navy is well known, and as I saw the work taking place here today, I was thinking of my grandfather, the Duke of Edinburgh. He would have been fascinated and very excited to see such advances in skills and technology being put into practice."
"Today, I'm very pleased to announce that my family's connection with Type 26 will endure for many years to come," Prince William continued. "Her Majesty The Queen has approved the appointment of my wife Catherine as Sponsor of the superb ship we see taking shape outside – HMS Glasgow. I know that Catherine will be delighted to join you here in Glasgow for the naming ceremony in due course."
