Kate Middletonhas a new role! She is a sponsor for a new naval battleship.
Her husbandPrince Williammade the announcement during a visit to the shipyard area of Govan in Glasgow, Scotland, early on Tuesday.
Speaking at BAE Systems, William said his grandmotherQueen Elizabethhad made the appointment for the Duchess of Cambridge to be associated withHMS Glasgow, which is being built at the yard.
It means Kate, 39, will have a longstanding “strong and enduring personal connection to the vessel and her crew, often supporting milestones, events and deployments,” her office at Kensington Palace explained.
Kate Middleton.Jane Barlow - WPA Pool/Getty
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In his speech, 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, theDuke 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 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.”
And the connection will continue at home: William was gifted with models of the ship for his and Kate’s three children —Prince George, 7,Princess Charlotte, 6, andPrince Louis, 3 — to paint!
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William, 39, has spent two days in Scotland,joining his grandmother the Queen, 95, for a Monday.
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He also spoke with some of BAE Systems' apprentices and graduates in training, who are honing their skills working on advanced technology programs, his office at Kensington Palace said.
“She will be only the second ship to have carried this name, her predecessor having conducted her duties with distinction and honour throughout the Second World War. The city of Belfast has always stood alongside Glasgow with a superb heritage of ship building, but now the city can once again become synonymous with Royal Naval power and maritime excellence.”
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“Catherine and I feel extremely privileged to become part of Team Type 26, and we look forward to following the journey of the ships, and their future crews, in the years to come.”
source: people.com
