Flying the flag: Britannia (Picture: P&O Cruises)
After a long wait, it was officially announced today – the Queen will christen P&O Cruises’ new ship Britannia in Southampton on Tuesday week.
Months of secrecy and speculation ended with Carnival UK chairman David Dingle saying: ‘We are honoured and proud that Her Majesty will name Britannia almost 20 years after she named the P&O Cruises ship Oriana.
‘Britannia, a ship for the nation, will be the embodiment of contemporary Britain, and with her Union Jack livery she will fly the flag for Britain across the globe.’
It had been known for some time that Her Majesty was scheduled to be in Hampshire on March 10 but both P&O Cruises and Buckingham Palace refused until now to confirm her attendance at the christening. She will be accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh.
The Queen named P&O’s Oriana in 1995 and has also christened Cunard ships including Elizabeth and QM2.
Making waves: Britannia will have a royal welcome (Picture: P&O Cruises)
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