Prince William Announces New Role For Duchess Kate In Scotland
During a royal visit to the BAE Systems’ Shipyard in Govan on Tuesday Prince William announced an exciting new role for his wife Kate.
The Queen has approved the appointment of the Duchess of Cambridge as Sponsor of the HMS Glasgow, a City Class Type 26 Global Combat Ship, the first to be built for the Royal Navy.
After the tour of the ship William said: “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 the @RoyalFamily's connection with Type 26 ships will endure for many years to come.
— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) June 29, 2021
Her Majesty The Queen has approved the appointment of my wife Catherine as Sponsor of the superb ship we see taking shape – HMS Glasgow. pic.twitter.com/4HmcOIFXwd
“Today, I’m very pleased to announce that my family’s connection with Type 26 will endure for many years to come.”
He 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.”
HMS Glasgow marks the first time the Duchess has been appointed Sponsor.
The Sponsor is a long-standing tradition in the Royal Navy, someone who is chosen to have a strong personal connection to the ship and its crew, often supporting milestones, events and deployments involving the ship. Other recent Sponsors include the Queen for the HMS Queen Elizabeth and the Duchess of Cornwall for the HMS Prince of Wales.
Monday has been the first day of engagements in Scotland marking Royal Week. Prince William joined his grandmother, the Queen in a visit to the Iru-Bru factory in Cumbernauld and then attended the Ceremony of the Keys at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.