Cunard names city of Liverpool as godparent to Queen Anne

Cunard has named the city of Liverpool as godparent for its newest ship, Queen Anne.

The cruise line refers to the city as its “spiritual home”, and said it chose to make it Queen Anne’s godparent “in recognition of the long-lasting bond” the line and city share.

The announcement was made during Queen Anne’s official naming ceremony, which was held in Liverpool today (June 3).

More: Ship tour: Cunard’s Queen Anne

Cunard selected five “Liverpool icons” to name the ship: Spice Girl Mel C, broadcaster Ngunan Adamu, entrepreneur Natalie Haywood, musician Jayne Casey and Olympian Katarina Johnson-Thomson, who were all chosen for their “significant contributions to culture at a local, national or international level”.

President Katie McAlister said: “Liverpool is the spiritual home of Cunard and we are therefore delighted and feel it very fitting that the city of Liverpool is the godparent to Queen Anne.

“It’s testament to the enduring relationship that connects Cunard and the city in which it was founded to the present day when we officially named our new ship on the Liverpool Waterfront, in front of the Cunard Building.

“We are equally delighted to have our five chosen Liverpool icons represent the city in the ceremony. All remarkable in their own right, they have inspired generations and collectively capture the essence of the city that has shaped global culture.”

Andrew Lewis, chief executive of Liverpool City Council, added: “It’s an incredible honour for the city of Liverpool to be chosen as the godparent of Queen Anne.

“This city shares a treasured bond with Cunard dating back to 1839 when we were the original home of the world-famous line.

“The naming ceremony was a magnificent showpiece that once again cast Liverpool into the limelight, and we are so proud to be forever entwined with Queen Anne as she sails the world. We will always cherish our long-standing relationship with Cunard.”