Queen approves new role for Kate Middleton as sponsor of Navy ship

Prince William has announced a new role for wife Kate Middleon, approved by the Queen, in what is a first for the Duchess of Cambridge ten years after marrying into the royal family.

The Duke of Cambridge - or the Earl of Strathearn as he's known in Scotland - shared the news during a tour of the country, specifically during a visit to BAE Systems' Shipyard in Govan on Tuesday.

During a speech, Prince William announced: "Her Majesty The Queen has approved the appointment of my wife Catherine as Sponsor of the superb ship we see taking shape outside – HMS Glasgow.

"I know that Catherine will be delighted to join you here in Glasgow for the naming ceremony in due course."

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It is the first time Kate has been appointed a sponsor of a Navy ship, with both the Queen and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, already being sponsors of ships themselves.

As sponsor, she will attend the naming ceremony, as well as "supporting milestones, events and deployments involving the ship", Kensington Palace said.

During his speech, William also spoke about his late grandfather Prince Philip.

"My family's affection for the Royal Navy is well known, and as I saw the work taking place here today, I was thinking of my Grandfather, The Duke of Edinburgh," he said.

"He would have been fascinated and very excited to see such advances in skills and technology being put into practice."

Prince William visited the shipyard to officially mark construction of HMS Belfast, a City Class Type 26 Global Combat Ship, trilled that his "family's connection with Type 26 will endure for many years to come".

William and the Queen are currently on a royal tour of Scotland, the Monarch's first tour since the pandemic and the loss of her husband Prince Philip.

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