A SHOWER of red, blue and white confetti rained down as the Queen named the cruise liner Britannia in Southampton today.
Accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, the Queen pressed a button to send a giant bottle of champagne smashing into the side of the new cruise liner during a ceremony at Ocean Terminal.
She formally named the P&O vessel, saying: "May God bless her and all who sail in her."
The naming was preceded by performances by some of the dancers of Strictly Come Dancing and performances from the Irish Guards band and the Red Hot Chili Pipers.
A host of celebrities were among the invited guests to witness the ceremony, including chefs Marco Pierre-White and James Martin, dancer Darcy Bussell and television stars Anneka Rice and Linda Robson.
Comedian Rob Brydon hosted the event, leaving the audience in stitches with a variety of gags.
David Dingle, chairman of P&O Cruises, said: "The naming of a ship is always a proud moment for any ship line but today holds special significance, not just for P&O but Britain and our shared history and future.
"The skills and expertise, innovation and imagination of everybody has ensured that today is yet another history-making day for P&O Cruises and for Great Britain."
The Queen has been taken on a guided tour around the vessel, which cost just under £500m to build.
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