The passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II on 8 September 2022, so soon after the celebrations of her Platinum Jubilee marking 70 years as head of the UK and the Commonwealth, prompted a focus on the regal associations with the Royal Navy and the merchant marine, and the many ships, boats and craft associated with Her Majesty. That association is probably best highlighted by the formal launch and naming ceremonies of new vessels.
The Queen christened 24 ships during her lifetime, first as Princess Elizabeth and then when she was monarch. The list includes passenger liners, cruise ships, Royal Navy warships, research vessels, tankers and RNLI lifeboats.
The naming of by the Prince of Wales in 1610. But the tradition was taken to new heights by HM Queen Elizabeth. As Princess Elizabeth, she was in attendance at the christening of RMS on the river Clyde on 26 September 1934 when Queen Mary of Teck, supposedly to the delight of her husband, King George V, named the vessel after the country’s most famous Queen, his wife.
