Naming of second aircraft carrier signals a new era
THE UK’s second of a new generation of aircraft carriers has been formally named after the Prince of Wales, signalling “a new era” in the Royal Navy’s history.
Work on the underconstruction £3 billion ship was halted for the naval tradition, which dates back thousands of years and combines a celebration with a solemn blessing.
The official naming was carried out by the Duchess of Cornwall, the ship’s sponsor, who smashed a bottle of whisky against HMS Prince of Wales at the ceremony in Rosyth Dockyard, Fife.
Prince Charles looked on as Camilla carried out the honours in the shadow of the 65,000-tonne carrier.
The Duchess pressed a button to trigger the smashing of a bottle of Laphroaig 10-year-old spirit against the ship’s hull.
The Islay distillery holds a Royal Warrant and the single malt is believed to be one of Charles’ favourites.
She declared: “I name this ship Prince of Wales. May God bless her and all who sail in her.”
The Duchess spoke of her pride in her own personal connections with the Royal Navy, which include being Commodorein-Chief of its medical and chaplaincy services and boasting six admirals among her ancestors.
“Naturally, however, my closest connection with our great navy is through another Admiral, my husband, another Prince of Wales. So I already feel a particular affection for this ship,” Camilla told the assembled crowd.
“When she and her ship’s company are out on the high seas, please remember that I will be holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.
“I am certain you will carry out whatever is asked of you with the pride that comes of being at the forefront of our Naval prowess.”
Six yards across the UK, Appledore, Birkenhead, Govan, Portsmouth, Rosyth and Tyne, have worked together to design and build the carrier.