Kate Middleton’s Odd New Role: Godmother to Royal Princess Cruise Ship

Unlike so many celebrities out there (Kim Kardashian, we're looking at you)

Kate Middleton is not the type of lady--well, Duchess--to endorse every product she sees. So we were a bit surprised when we heard that Princess Shinylocks herself is signed on to be the latest Godmother for Princess Cruises newest ship, Royal Princess.



But why do ships need godmothers, you might be asking. Apparently, the tradition of naming and christening ships is thousands of years old! Originally, ships were blessed by priests, while men were typically bestowed the title of godfather. The godfather would hand flowers to the godmother and the ships' godparents would say the name of the ship to bless it. Yes, really. Nowadays, the responsibility of christening ships has evolved to be predominantly female. Yay for girl power?



As the 3,600-passenger cruise ship's godmother, Kate Middleton will say a blessing for the ship and ask for the safety of its crew and passengers.  While it might seem like an odd new title to add to her resume, the Duchess of Cambridge has some shockingly classy company in the Princess Cruise Godmother club. Princess Diana christened the first Royal Princess in 1984, Oscar-winning actress Olivia de Havilland was the godmother of the Grand Princess in 1998, the late Margaret Thatcher christened the Regal Princess in 1991, and Audrey Hepburn celebrated the Star Princess's first sea voyage in 1989. Some people who love comparing Kate and her late mother-in-law might be psyched that they have another comparison to make, but we're mostly geeking out now that we know Kate and Audrey Hepburn have something in common other than being two of our biggest style icons.



“It is a great honor for Princess Cruises that Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Cambridge has accepted our invitation to become the Godmother to Royal Princess,” said Alan Buckelew, the line’s president and CEO in a statement. “We are delighted that the Duchess will launch our new ship and can think of no better way to celebrate our company’s British heritage and our commitment to the country.”



The blessing ceremony will take place June 13, 2013 and will continue the British ship-naming tradition that includes the blessing, a performance by the Royal Marines Band, and the pipers of the Irish Guards as well as what Princess Cruises are calling "contemporary highlights." Fingers crossed for an Adele appearance--she's contemporary, British, and would be a surefire highlight. Plus, if our vast knowledge of old school cartoons is correct, someone will smash a bottle of champagne across the bow. It's just too bad that our glowingly pregnant mom-to-be won't be able to partake in the bubbly.



What do you think of Kate's new job? Do you like the ring of her new full title: Her Royal Highness Princess William, Duchess of Cambridge, Countess of Strathearn, Baroness Carrickfergus, Godmother of Cruises?


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