“I name this ship Glasgow. May God bless her and all who serve in her,” said the Duchess of Rothesay moments before she launched a bottle of whisky against the hull of the HMS Glasgow, the Royal Navy’s newest anti-submarine frigate.

The HMS Glasgow is the first of eight Type 26 anti-submarine frigates to enter service and will protect and support the United Kingdom’s aircraft carriers and nuclear deterrents. Catherine was overheard telling members of the warship’s company that, “It’s a really proud moment for the UK but particularly Glasgow because there’s such international interest,” and when she first laid eyes on the warship, said, “It’s so great to see her, she’s fantastic.”

Catherine had been named Lady Sponsor of the HMS Glasgow in June 2021 at the direction of Queen Elizabeth II and has maintained a keen interest in its build and about those who will serve aboard it. It is expected to enter service in 2028 and the rest of the warships are expected to be completed in the 2030s.

As a special touch for their sponsor, the crew of the HMS Glasgow has directed a portion of the sales of the single malt whisky, bottled by Clydeside Distillery for the naming ceremony, be donated to Place2Be, one of Catherine’s earliest patronages.

The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay, as they’re known in Scotland, joined the 45 members of the ship’s company, their families, workers at BAE Systems Shipbuilding who’d constructed the warship, and other special guests for the naming ceremony in Scotstoun.

Following the naming ceremony, the royal couple received a tour of the HMS Glasgow and had the chance to meet crew members and shipbuilders. “The Princess of Wales projected a keen interest in the ship’s company and their families – and we in HMS Glasgow are proud to have her as our Ship’s Sponsor,” said Petty Officer Abigail Baker in a statement shared on the Royal Navy’s website.

The royal couple also paid a visit to BAE Systems Shipbuilding Academy to meet with the team and apprentices there to learn more about the training it takes to graduate and how it helped the HMS Glasgow.

Kensington Palace shared a video of the royal couple in Scotstoun, captioning it “To HMS Glasgow, go well, fair winds and following seas ⚓️”

A message from Catherine was also shared: “Honoured to attend the naming ceremony of HMS Glasgow today. Everything is looking ship shape!

“A pleasure to meet with members of the Ship’s Company and their families, as well as BAE Systems’ Shipbuilding Academy apprentices and graduates, and some of the incredibly skillful teams involved in the building of the ship.”