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One of Damilola Taylor's killers was back behind bars today - only 16 days after being released from jail. Ricky Preddie (pictured left) was recalled to prison last night after breaching the terms of his parole
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Queen 'surprised' as Camilla is chosen to launch Cunard's Victoria
Last updated at 13:52pm on 02.12.07When Cunard launched its previous flagship liners, there was only one choice to perform the ceremony - the Queen.
But Royal sources say it has been noted at Buckingham Palace "with slight surprise" that when its latest ship is named later this month, the Duchess of Cornwall will take centre stage.
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I name this ship: The Queen at the launch of the QE2 in 1967, the first of two Cunard ships she has launched
In the latest indication that she is increasingly viewed as a Queen Consort-in-waiting, Camilla will become "godmother" of the 90,000-ton Queen Victoria - the second-largest ship ever built by Cunard.
It is the first time one of the company's "Queen" ships has not been named by a Queen. In 1934 Queen Mary launched the original Queen Mary liner and in 1938 Queen Elizabeth - later the Queen Mother - named the QE1. The current Queen launched the QE2 in 1967 and the Queen Mary 2 in 1994.
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My husband and I: Prince Charles is said to be 'privately delighted' by Camilla's growing public role
The idea to ask Camilla to preside at the ceremony in Southampton on December 10, in front of 2,000 VIP guests, is said to have come from Cunard Line president Carol Marlow.
Camilla will be accompanied by Prince Charles, who is said to be privately delighted at his wife's growing public role.
The ship - which has a casino, seven bars, seven restaurants, a theatre and two pools - departs on her maiden voyage the next day. It will be the first time three Cunard "Queens" are in service at the same time. Round-the-world trips cost £12,000.
"It is fair to say that the Queen was slightly surprised, given the history of the Cunard naming process, and particularly since she is such an admirer of her great-great-grandmother," the Royal source said.
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Queen Victoria: The latest of Cunard's 'Queen' ships
The honour follows a successful tour of Uganda with Prince Charles when Camilla was praised for the stylish way she carried out duties.
Ms Marlow said: "We are honoured that Her Royal Highness will name our newest Cunarder. Every one of our Cunard Queens has been named by a member of the Royal Family."
Reader views (8)
Where are cunard coming from.Why on earth would they think that she would be a popular choice to perform a naming of a ship bearing the title of Queen. There is only one person in the county who has the dignity and honour to carry this duty out and it certainly isn't this woman.
- Linda, Ashford, 10/12/2007 10:00
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I continue to be puzzled by the insistence of so many Britains that Camilla is unworthy. Marital unfaithfulness and divorce is not peculiar to Charles and Diana. Princess Diana was not a saint. She was a great humanitarian, an example of grace and manners, a charming and lovely woman, an excellent mother, who died a very tragic death. Let it go. It's so over. Mistakes were made by all involved. But through it all Charles loved Camilla and Camilla loved Charles. They have proven themselves to be older, wiser, and kinder and I admire them for the hard work they do on behalf of the Commonwealth and all of its people. I realise I am not entitled to express an opinion on the subject, being a crass American, but here it is anyway: if you can't show them admiration and respect, at least leave them alone.
- Secressp, Portland, Oregon, USA, 03/12/2007 04:24
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I'm delighted for Cunard and, even more, I'm delighted for the British people that The Duchess of Cornwall has been asked to officially name The Queen Victoria on the 10th. I do think commenter Phil Jones probably has it quite right that Her Majesty The Queen would have been asked and must have suggested that The Duchess of Cornwall should be the one to officially name the Queen Victoria in Southhampton. The Duchess is clearly doing a fantastic job, and the very most common response from people who meet her is that they are touched by her warm and natural spirit, she makes a point to speak with as many people as possible, and she takes a real interest in the people she meets and the work they are doing.
- Brian, Arlington, 03/12/2007 02:53
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Elton John would be my choice.
- Paul Wainwright, Australia, 02/12/2007 21:55
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I never understood why Charles married her.
- Ella, Canada, 02/12/2007 21:40
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The Queen would have been asked and must have suggested that Camilla should do the Honours. As head of the Royal Family, the Queen would have had to have been consulted so to say she was surprised on the matter doesn't make any sense!
- Phil Jones, London UK, 02/12/2007 15:09
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What has Camilla got to do with Queen Victoria? Why don't they get Victoria Beckham to launch the ship? I'm sure she would be a more popular choice if there was a vote on it.
- Mike Allward, Waterlooville, UK, 02/12/2007 11:32
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This is an absolute disgrace. It is the duty of the monarch to name these ships and I hope that in my life time this female never achieves that status. And as for Cunard saying that she is a member of the Royal family! Charles being privately pleased - don't think public opinion has changed - it hasn't!
- Minime, Southend, 02/12/2007 09:39
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