Navy’s New Flagship Gets ROYAL Blessing!
The Princess of Wales officially named the Royal Navy’s cutting-edge HMS Glasgow, blending tradition, engineering prowess, and royal charm in a celebration of Britain’s naval future.
At a Glance
The Princess of Wales christened HMS Glasgow at a May 22 ceremony in Scotland
The event included royal appearances, a naval flypast, and a charity tie-in
HMS Glasgow is the first of eight new Type 26 anti-submarine frigates
The warship will play a key role in protecting UK nuclear and carrier assets
The project supports thousands of jobs and symbolizes royal-armed forces unity
A Royal Blessing for the Future Fleet
In a blend of historic ritual and modern engineering, Catherine, Princess of Wales, named HMS Glasgow during a traditional ceremony at BAE Systems’ shipyard in Scotstoun, Scotland. Accompanied by Prince William, she christened the 8,000-tonne warship by smashing a bottle of Scottish whisky from Clydeside Distillery against the hull.
Watch a report: Princess of Wales Officially Names HMS Glasgow.
Nautical Glamour Meets Maritime Tradition
Dressed in a navy-and-white Suzannah London coat and Philip Treacy hat, the Princess echoed the day’s maritime theme. The event wasn’t just symbolic—she serves as the ship’s official sponsor, a longstanding naval tradition establishing an enduring royal link to the vessel and its crew.
The ceremony also supported Place2Be, a mental health charity for children, through proceeds from commemorative whisky bottles.
A Technological Powerhouse at Sea
HMS Glasgow is the first of the Royal Navy’s new Type 26 City-class frigates, designed for stealth, speed, and anti-submarine warfare. The 150-meter ship features next-generation tech to protect Britain’s nuclear deterrent and aircraft carriers, with accommodation for 161 personnel.
Royal Navy Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral Sir Martin Connell described it as a “pure-bred Anti-Submarine Warfare platform,” showcasing British innovation and global readiness.
Royal Visit Highlights Industry and Innovation
The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay (their Scottish titles) met with Royal Navy sailors and BAE Systems engineers to discuss the ship and the wider Type 26 program. In a light-hearted moment, they raced shipyard staff in a STEM challenge building simulated piping—bringing hands-on support to high-tech manufacturing.
Simon Lister of BAE Systems called it “a historic moment” for Glasgow and the UK defense sector.
Economic and National Security Impacts
The Type 26 program is a cornerstone of Britain’s defense industry, sustaining 4,000 jobs across Scotland and the UK. HMS Glasgow will be followed by seven sister ships—HMS Cardiff, Belfast, Birmingham, Sheffield, Newcastle, Edinburgh, and London—scheduled to join the fleet through the mid-2030s.
HMS Glasgow is the ninth Royal Navy vessel to carry the name, continuing a proud naval legacy with cutting-edge capability.
Bridging Past and Future
The naming ceremony wasn’t just a royal photo opportunity—it symbolized the monarchy’s lasting bond with the armed forces and reaffirmed national unity. The Princess’s role underscores a continuing royal commitment to service and defense as the UK faces new maritime challenges.
With HMS Glasgow, Britain sails confidently into the future—anchored in tradition, powered by innovation.