Kate Middleton Shows Off Baby Bump At Cruise Liner Naming Ceremony

The pregnant Duchess of Cambridge dressed her bump in a Dalmatian print mac by Hobbs at the cruise liner launch in Southampton

Kate Middleton and baby bump at cruise liner naming ceremony
Kate Middleton and baby bump at cruise liner naming ceremony
(Image credit: Rex Features)

The pregnant Duchess of Cambridge dressed her bump in a Dalmatian print mac by Hobbs at the cruise liner launch in Southampton

Kate Middleton dressed her baby bump in style in a gorgeous Dalmatian print coat dress by Hobbs at a cruise liner naming ceremony in Southampton this morning.

The pregnant Duchess of Cambridge made her final solo engagement before she heads off on maternity leave at the launch of Princess Cruises' new ship, Royal Princess, ahead of its maiden voyage on 16 June. She looked as stylish as ever in an animal print mac with an A-line silhouette by the high street store, which costs £169 and is currently still available at House of Fraser and on the Hobbs website. She teamed the mac with a white clutch, a statement hat in black and matching courts.

Kate Middleton and baby bump at cruise liner naming ceremony

Kate Middleton and baby bump at cruise liner naming ceremony
(Image credit: Rex Features)

The mum-to-be, who is due to give birth to the royal baby on 13 July, was the main focus of the ceremony, going on board sans Prince William for a brief tour of the impressive vessel – which features 27 bars and restaurants, a 280-seat entertainment area and a glass-bottomed walkway.

As the ship’s Godmother, Kate Middleton also took part in an official blessing of the liner, which involved the celebratory tradition of smashing a bottle over the hull of the ship as she named it, as well as a performance by the Royal Marines Band and the pipers of the Irish Guards.

Kate Middleton and baby bump at cruise liner naming ceremony

Kate Middleton and baby bump at cruise liner naming ceremony
(Image credit: Rex Features)

Tonight, Kate Middleton and her blossoming baby bump will also attend a glittering gala dinner after launching the new ship. It’s understood that teachers Danuta Tomasz and Dave Flowitt have been invited to dine with the pregnant Duchess at the celebrations. The teachers’ school partners the Skill Force charity, of which Prince William is a patron.

It’s believed that Kate will begin her maternity leave next week, following the Trooping the Colour on Saturday and the Garter lunch at Windsor on Monday, to coincide with the Queen's birthday.

Kate Middleton and baby bump at cruise liner naming ceremony

Kate Middleton and baby bump at cruise liner naming ceremony
(Image credit: Rex Features)

Reports suggest that the Duchess will relax at the Middleton family home in Berkshire before her due date. It’s understood that she could even choose to give birth at a hospital local to the house, after it was revealed her family are in favour of the idea.

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