Duchess Kate to be Princess cruise ship's godmother

LONDON, April 9 (UPI) -- Princess Cruises says Kate, the duchess of Cambridge, will take part in the Southampton naming ceremony for the newest addition to the line's fleet.

The wife of Britain's Prince William is expecting their first child this summer. She will help officially name the Royal Princess June 13.

"It is a great honor for Princess Cruises that her royal highness the duchess of Cambridge has accepted our invitation to become the godmother to Royal Princess. We are delighted that the duchess will launch our new ship and can think of no better way to celebrate our company's British heritage and our commitment to the country," Alan Buckelew, the line's president and chief executive officer, said in a statement Tuesday.

The ceremony will uphold British ship-naming traditions including a blessing, and performances by the Royal Marines Band and the pipers of the Irish Guards, organizers said. The ship is to begin her maiden voyage June 16.