First of eight Devon-based anti-sub warships named

Duchess of Cornwall launches HMS Glasgow

The Duchess of Cornwall has smashed a bottle of whiskey against the hull of a new warship that will be based in Devon.

At the traditional naming ceremony for HMS Glasgow on Thursday, also attended by Prince William, Kate declared the time-honoured words: "I name this ship Glasgow. May God bless her and all who serve in her."

The Type 26 frigate is the first of eight to enter service and will provide critical protection for the UK’s nuclear deterrent and aircraft carriers.

Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said: "HMS Glasgow represents the best of British engineering and shipbuilding. The warship will serve as a formidable defender of our national security and a powerful asset for NATO in an increasingly dangerous world.

"The shipbuilding programme supports thousands of highly-skilled jobs in Scotland and across the UK, supporting the government’s Plan for Change and reinforcing the role of defence as a powerful engine for growth."

HMS Glasgow is expected to be operational by 2028, and construction of all eight City class frigates is scheduled to be completed by the mid-2030s. They will be based at HMNB Devonport in Plymouth, forming the backbone of the Royal Navy’s surface fleet.