Kate MiddletonandPrince Williamare teaming up for a special occasion — with champagne!
WhilePrince HarryandMeghan Marklecontinue theirroyal tour of Africa, Kate and William stepped out together on Thursday to visit attending the naming ceremony of the U.K.’s new polar research ship, the RRS Sir David Attenborough, in Birkenhead.
BothPrince Williamand Sir David Attenborough gave remarks before Kate had the honor of formally naming the ship and smashing a bottle of champagne (from a safe distance away via a button!) against hull.
Kate Middleton.James Veysey/Shutterstock
James Veysey/Shutterstock
Before the ceremony, the royal couple toured the ship, which will enable world-leading research to be carried out in Antarctica and the Arctic over the next 25 to 30 years. On board, Kate and William met a team of engineers from Cammell Laird who have been involved in the ship’s build, including young apprentices.
Kate Middleton.Peter Byrne/PA Wire/PA Images
Kate Middleton and Prince William.Peter Byrne/PA Wire/PA Images
Prince William and Kate Middleton.Peter Byrne/PA Wire/PA Images
Prince William and Kate Middleton.PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty
Prince William, Kate Middleton and Sir David Attenborough.Anthony Devlin/Getty
Sir David Attenborough, Prince William and Kate Middleton.James Veysey/Shutterstock
Though the NERC opted instead to name the $287 million vessel RRS Sir David Attenborough, it did bestow the silly moniker upon ayellow submarine operating from the ship.
Kate Middleton and Prince William.James Veysey/Shutterstock
Prince William and Kate Middleton.James Veysey/Shutterstock
At the end of his speech to introduce Attenborough,Prince Williampoked fun at the rejected name. “It is my immense privilege and relief to welcome Sir David Attenborough, rather than Boaty McBoatface, to speak,” he said.
Prince William interviewed Attenborough about his work highlighting the importance of the natural worldand the urgent challenges that will face the next generation of environmental leaders at the World Economic Forum earlier this year.
Prince William and Sir David Attenborough.GIAN EHRENZELLER/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock
Prince William, Sir David Attenborough, Prince Charles and Prince Harry.John Phillips/Getty
William was reunited with the 93-year-old English broadcaster and natural historian in April, when he stepped out alongside Prince Harry and their father,Prince Charles, for theglobal premiere of Netflix’sOur Planetat the Natural History Museum in London.
source: people.com
