Page 636 - Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Coverage Book 2023-24

Spice Girl Melanie Chisholm and Olympic athlete Katarina Johnson-
Thompson represented Liverpool as the city was made the godparent of
Cunard’s newest ship.

The Merseyside stars took to the stage at the city’s Pier Head on Monday
afternoon for the official naming ceremony of Queen Anne, the
249th Cunard ship.

Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli performed for thousands who gathered on the
waterfront for the occasion.

The city of Liverpool was announced as the godparent of the ship as a

recognition of the cruise line’s long-lasting bond with its “spiritual home”.

Chisholm, known as Mel C, was one of five women chosen to represent the
city for the naming.

She said: “I’ve always been really proud to represent Liverpool around the
world, obviously as a Spice Girl and as a solo artist, but being here today is
really special because we’re celebrating the city and the heritage we have
here in Liverpool, so it’s really lovely for me.

“I’ve got so much family here and generations of family that were so tied to
the docks working here, so I feel very proud to be here.”

She was joined by heptathlete Johnson-Thompson, broadcaster Ngunan
Adamu, restaurant entrepreneur Natalie Haywood and artistic director Jayne
Casey.

They pulled a lever on the stage which released a 12-litre bottle of
Champagne to smash against the side of the ship, which remained in the
middle of the Mersey.

TV presenter Emma Willis, who hosted the ceremony along with husband,
Busted star Matt Willis, said: “Now, ships usually have a godparent to fulfil
the role of blessing and naming the ship.

“Being a godparent is an incredibly important and time-honoured tradition in
maritime culture, but, today, the role of godparent takes an unprecedented
turn, as Cunard bestows that honour to the city of Liverpool.”