The Queen has launched P & O Cruises new ship , Britannia . Her Majesty christened the ship with a £24.95 bottle of English wine . The Duke of Edinburgh joined the Queen for the ceremony in Southampton . He made the comment as his wife signed an empty picture mount . A Royal Navy helicopter flies over HMS Prince of Wales at Portsmouth Naval Base on Friday morning ahead of its christening by HRH Princess Anne and her husband Philip to mark the launch of the first British aircraft Camilla and Kate have both played the role of godmother to cruise ships . The royals have also sponsored several Royal Navy ships and submarines .
The Queen has launched P & O Cruises new ship , Britannia . Her Majesty christened the ship with a £24.95 bottle of English wine . The Duke of Edinburgh joined the Queen for the ceremony in Southampton . He made the comment as his wife signed an empty picture mount . Britannia is the sixth cruise ship to be christened by Her Majesty . Camilla and Kate have both played the role of godmother to cruise ships . The royals have also sponsored several Royal Navy ships and submarines .