HRH The Duchess of Cornwall is to name a cruise ship at a special event in Kent.

The ceremony will take place once the Duchess has had a tour of the ship at newly redeveloped Dover Western Docks on Friday, July 5.

She has also been named as Godmother of the boutique ship, Spirit of Discovery.

With fewer than 1,000 passengers, the ship has been fitted out with more than 1,000 pieces of art, including 400 original works from British artists.

Hush Heath, an independent wine producer in Kent, will provide a jeroboam - a three litre bottle of sparkling wine - for the ceremony.

Chief executive of Saga, which commissioned and owns the ship, said: "I am delighted that The Duchess of Cornwall has agreed to be Godmother of the Spirit of Discovery.

"The launch of our new ship is a key moment in both the history and future of Saga.

"Carrying fewer than 1,000 passengers, she is a boutique ship that offers our customers and members the highest standards of accommodation, furnishings, cuisine and entertainment.

"I am immensely proud of what we have created with shipyard Meyer Werft."

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