Kate christens new cruise ship in smashing style

The Duchess of Cambridge christened a new cruise ship in smashing style as she carried out her last solo engagement before her baby is born.

In time-honoured tradition, Kate let fly a magnum of champagne against the hull of the vessel Royal Princess, without a hitch.

The Duchess, who is due to give birth in mid-July, flew to Southampton by helicopter for the naming ceremony of the 3,600-passenger liner in front of hundreds of guests.

ITV News' Royal Correspondent Tim Ewart reports:

Alan Buckelew, president and chief executive of ship owner Princess Cruises, said the tradition of naming a ship goes back thousands of years:

Kate wore a black and white animal print Hobbs coat and dark hat for the ceremony.

Before cutting the cord that released the magnum of champagne, she said:

The 15-litre Nebuchadnezzar-sized bottle from Moet & Chandon - costing £1,250 - was released and flew into the hull, smashing to a large cheer.

The occasion was also a musical extravaganza featuring military bands and pop singer Natasha Bedingfield performing on the quayside.

Later Kate was taken on a tour of the ship by the captain and, after meeting staff in the vessel's atrium, she visited the bridge.

Princess Cruises has a history of illustrious godmothers for past ships including Diana, Princess of Wales, who named the first Royal Princess in 1984.

Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren, and Baroness Thatcher have all been godmothers in the past.

Features of the new ship include a glass-bottomed walkway extending 8.5 metres (28 feet) beyond the edge of the ship, the largest pastry shop at sea and balconies on all outside staterooms.

The vessel weighs 141,000 tons, has 19 decks and can carry passengers at a speed of 22 knots.