Queen 'surprised' as Camilla is chosen to launch Cunard's Victoria

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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."