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Kate Middleton Wears Dalmatian Print Coat, Christens Royal Princess Ship

Kate Middleton
Kate Middleton wore Hobbs' dalmatian print coat to the Princess Cruises ship naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal on June 13, 2013 in Southampton, England.

Following in the footsteps of Queen Elizabeth II and her late mother-in-law Princess Diana, Kate Middleton traveled to Southampton, England, on Thursday, June 13, to name Princess Cruises‘ latest ship, the Royal Princess. The pregnant 31-year-old dressed her baby bump in a $265 dalmatian print coat by Hobbs and wore a black fascinator for the occasion. Looking radiant as ever, the Duchess of Cambridge walked the blue carpet as the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Portsmouth and The Pipe Band of 1st Battalion Irish Guards gave her a musical salute.

Related: PHOTOS: All of Kate Middleton's maternity looks

The event marked Middleton’s final solo engagement before her maternity leave begins; she is due to give birth on July 11, sources reveal in the June 24 issue of Us Weekly.

Related: PHOTOS: Royal pregnancies

Upon her arrival, Middleton shook hands with officials and representatives from the cruise line. After a performance from “Pocketful of Sunshine” singer Natasha Bedingfield, Middleton met two young children. Middleton invited the Rowbotham family, from Milton near Cambridge, to join her for the celebrations; they received care and support from EACH, one of the many charities she supports.

kate middleton princess cruises
Kate Middleton takes a tour of the Princess Cruises ship after its naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal on June 13, 2013 in Southampton, England.

Alie Rowbotham attended the naming ceremony along with her husband, Mick, and their children Izzie, 15, and Charlie, 8. Her son George was diagnosed with a brain tumor in July 2003; she spoke to reporters about the organization and Middleton’s involvement before Thursday’s ceremony. “Izzie and Charlie will be giving the scissors to HRH The Duchess of Cambridge to cut the ribbon,” she said. “We’re all very excited about meeting The Duchess of Cambridge and very proud and honored to be representing EACH. We’re very passionate about the work EACH does with children and their families, having experienced the difference that it makes firsthand.”

Related: PHOTOS: How Kate Middleton is getting ready to be a mom

She added, “The hospice really is a place for living with so much to offer. George especially loved the sessions in the swimming pool and sensory room. It was a place where he could live, rather than being ill all the time. He had lost his sparkle when he was in hospital but at the hospice he shone again and those memories we will remember forever.”

kate middleton captain
Captain Tony Draper gives Kate Middleton a tour on board the Princess Cruises ship during its naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal on June 13, 2013 in Southampton, England.

Middleton later walked to a podium where she smashed a bottle of Moet et Chandon champagne against the hull of the Royal Princess. She then looked on as the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Portsmouth and The Pipe Band of 1st Battalion Irish Guards staged a colorful parade to round off the christening ceremony. Afterwards, Middleton took a tour of the boat.

Related: PHOTOS: Kate Middleton's childhood album

The vast cruise ship features a games room, a casino, a spa, a 28-foot glass-bottomed viewing gallery, 10 restaurants and 1,780 luxury staterooms. Despite the ship’s regal name, the vessel was not named after Middleton. Instead, the name was taken from the original Royal Princess ship which launched in 1984 and is no longer in service; Prince William‘s late mother christened that liner.

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