The Duke of Edinburgh is to attend a gala reception and lunch to mark the 10th anniversary of Cunard's Southampton based flagship, Queen Mary 2 entering service in the city.

The visit, on Friday, May 9, will be a return for the Duke to QM2 in Southampton as he accompanied the Queen when she officially named the liner in the port back in January, 2004.

During his time on board the ship the Duke will visit several behind-the-scenes areas of the vessel as well as meeting members of the crew.

Since entering service QM2 has undertaken a total of 419 voyages including more than 200 transatlantic crossings between Southampton and New York, called at 182 ports in 60 countries and carried in excess of 1.3m passengers.

David Dingle, Cunard's chief executive said: “We are delighted and honored that His Royal Highness has agreed to visit Queen Mary 2 and take part in our flagship's 10th anniversary, having been present at her entry into service.

“For all those involved, this will surely be another memorable occasion in Cunard's long history”.