Celebrating Naval Excellence with Royal Grace
In a moment steeped in tradition and pride, Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales, accompanied by The Prince of Wales, officially named HMS Glasgow, the Royal Navy’s newest state-of-the-art Type 26 frigate, during a vibrant ceremony at BAE Systems’ shipyard in Scotstoun, Glasgow, on May 22, 2025. As the ship’s sponsor since 2021, The Princess, known as The Duchess of Rothesay in Scotland, performed the time-honoured ritual of smashing a bottle of exclusive single malt whisky from the Clydeside Distillery against the ship’s hull, marking a significant milestone for the Royal Navy and the city of Glasgow.
Courtesy of the the Royal Family Channel on You Tube
The ceremony, attended by hundreds of BAE Systems employees, their families, and the 45-strong ship’s company, began with a royal salute and a flypast by a P-8 Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft from 120 Squadron at RAF Lossiemouth. Stepping onto a ceremonial platform, The Princess declared, “I have the pleasure to name this ship HMS Glasgow. May God bless her and all who sail in her,” prompting cheers from the gathered crowd. The whisky bottle, released by a press of a red “launch” button, shattered against the hull, symbolising good luck and fortune for the vessel and its crew.
HMS Glasgow is the first of eight Type 26 frigates, designed to be a cornerstone of the Royal Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities. Equipped with advanced systems such as the Sea Ceptor anti-air missile system, a 5-inch naval gun, and the capacity to carry Wildcat and Merlin helicopters, the 8,000-tonne warship is built to protect the UK’s nuclear deterrent and aircraft carriers. With a range exceeding 7,000 nautical miles and a propulsion system featuring a Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine, HMS Glasgow is poised to serve as a global symbol of British maritime innovation. The construction of these frigates has sustained 4,000 jobs across Scotland and the UK supply chain, underscoring the economic significance of the programme.
The Princess, elegant in a navy and white coat dress by Suzannah London, paired with a Philip Treacy hat, expressed awe at the ship’s scale and technology, describing it as “very James Bond.” She told one employee, “It’s a really proud moment for the UK but particularly, Glasgow, because there’s such international interest.” The Prince of Wales, known as The Duke of Rothesay in Scotland, echoed her enthusiasm, remarking, “It’s massive… it’s a hell of a piece of kit – screams UK power.”
Following the naming ceremony, Their Royal Highnesses toured the frigate, guided by Petty Officer (Sea) Abigail Baker, the ship’s chief bosun’s mate. They met representatives from BAE Systems and the Royal Navy, learning about the vessel’s cutting-edge capabilities and the dedication of those who built it. The couple also visited the BAE Systems Shipbuilding Academy, engaging in a STEM activity with apprentices and meeting families of the ship’s company, highlighting the community effort behind HMS Glasgow.
Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral Sir Martin Connell praised the ship as “a pure-bred anti-submarine warfare platform, setting the standard for naval warfare,” while BAE Systems’ managing director, Simon Lister, called the event a “historic moment” for the Type 26 programme and the city of Glasgow. Commander Phil Burgess, the ship’s Senior Naval Officer, described HMS Glasgow as “a 21st Century warship for a 21st Century Royal Navy,” expressing pride in hosting Their Royal Highnesses for this milestone.
The royal visit marked the second joint appearance in Scotland for The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay within a month, following their 14th wedding anniversary celebration on the Isle of Mull in April. The Princess’s role as sponsor reflects a deep connection with HMS Glasgow, a tradition that bestows good luck and divine protection upon the ship. A contribution from each bottle of the Clydeside Distillery whisky sold will support Place2Be, a children’s mental health charity championed by The Princess.
As HMS Glasgow prepares to enter service in 2028, alongside sister ships HMS Cardiff, HMS Belfast, and others, this naming ceremony stands as a testament to British craftsmanship, naval innovation, and the enduring bond between the Royal Family and the Royal Navy. The event not only celebrated a new chapter for the fleet but also highlighted Glasgow’s proud shipbuilding heritage on the global stage.
