Kate Middleton’s new royal role announced by Prince William
Prince William made some exciting announcements about his wife while in Scotland on Tuesday.
The Duke of Cambridge has said Kate Middleton will be having another royal first as she is now the sponsor of HMS Glasgow.
It’s the first time the Duchess of Cambridge has been appointed a sponsor of a Navy ship.
The royal will have the responsibilities of attending the naming ceremony and will support “the milestones, events and deployments involving the ship", Kensington Palace says.
Kate follows behind the Queen and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall who are also sponsors of ships, as it is a long-standing tradition in the Royal Navy.
With Prince William announcing the news of his wife during a visit to BAE Systems' Shipyard in Govan in Scotland on Tuesday, he also touched on his beloved grandfather Prince Philip.
"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," the 39-year-old said.
"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 my family's connection with Type 26 will endure for many years to come.
"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."
Prince William visited the shipyard to mark construction of HMS Belfast, a City Class Type 26 Global Combat Ship.
The Duke had the opportunity to meet with apprentices and graduates in training who worked on the ship's construction before the royal officially cut the first plate of steel for the Type 26 frigate.
William even got to take home three models of HMS Belfast for his kids — Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
The royal is in Scotland with his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, which is her first royal tour since the pandemic and the death of her husband of 73 years, Prince Philip.
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