HMS Glasgow is the first of eight advanced Type 26 anti-submarine frigates, designed to strengthen the Royal Navy’s capabilities.
The Princess of Wales officially named the Royal Navy’s latest warship, HMS Glasgow, in a ceremony on the River Clyde, marking a proud moment for the UK’s naval fleet. Departing from the usual tradition of christening ships with champagne, Kate smashed a bottle of single malt whisky against the hull, symbolising good luck and Scotland’s rich maritime heritage.
The event was attended by the Prince of Wales, Prince William, and took place at the ship’s designated berth in Glasgow, where the new vessel was built by BAE Systems. HMS Glasgow is the first of eight advanced Type 26 anti-submarine frigates, designed to strengthen the Royal Navy’s capabilities in a volatile global security environment.
Kate, dressed elegantly in a navy blue outfit with white detailing and a matching hat, pressed a button to release an arm holding the whisky bottle, which smashed firmly against the grey, stealth-inspired hull. She then officially declared, “I have the pleasure to name this ship HMS Glasgow, may God bless her and all who sail on her.”
Later, at a reception, Prince William expressed his admiration for the new warship. “It’s massive, I can see that’s where the future is going,” he said. “It’s quite impressive, it’s a hell of a piece of kit — screams UK power.” His words underlined the significance of HMS Glasgow as a symbol of the country’s naval strength and technological advancement.
The choice of whisky for the christening is deeply symbolic. While champagne is the traditional choice for ship naming ceremonies, using whisky honours Scotland’s historic connection to the UK’s shipbuilding and naval defence industries. In 2014, Queen Elizabeth II used a bottle of single malt whisky to christen HMS Queen Elizabeth at Rosyth Dockyard, highlighting Scotland’s key role in that ship’s construction.
Simon Lister, managing director of BAE Systems, which led the design and build of the frigate, spoke of the ship’s importance in today’s geopolitical climate. “In a world that continues to be volatile, we cannot underestimate the importance of this ship and the work we are doing here,” he told the assembled guests.
The Type 26 frigates like HMS Glasgow are set to play a crucial role in the Royal Navy’s future, with advanced anti-submarine warfare capabilities and modern stealth features designed to protect the UK’s interests at sea. The ship’s launch marks a milestone not only for the Royal Navy but also for the shipbuilding industry in Scotland, which remains a vital part of Britain’s defence infrastructure.
As HMS Glasgow joins the fleet, the royal christening ceremony with whisky reflects a blend of tradition, innovation, and national pride — setting the tone for the ship’s service in safeguarding the nation’s maritime security in the years ahead.
