Cunard Bestows Queen Anne Godparent Honor on Liverpool

Cunard has named the British city of Liverpool as the godparent of its newest vessel, the Queen Anne in a move which recognizes the company’s historic bond with the city. Liverpool was the birthplace of Cunard with its first transatlantic voyage departing 184 years ago in July 1840. The city was also home to the company’s headquarters for 128 years.

Cunard has also chosen five notable Liverpool residents, known as Liverpudlians, to represent the city and officially name the ship. According to a press release the five were selected due to their contributions to local culture.

They are: Ngunan Adamu, a community leader and broadcaster, Jayne Casey an artistic director and well-known figure in Liverpool’s music scene, Natalie Haywood, a  local restaurant entrepreneur, Katarina Johnson-Thompson, a word champion heptathlon athlete, and Melanie Chisholm, better known as Mel C, singer, songwriter and Spice Girl.

Cunard’s president, Katie McAlister, said: “Liverpool is the spiritual home of Cunard, and we are therefore delighted and feel it very fitting that the City of Liverpool is the godparent to Queen Anne. It’s a testament to the enduring relationship that connects Cunard and the city in which it was founded to the present day when we officially named our new ship on the Liverpool Waterfront, in front of the Cunard Building. We are equally delighted to have our five chosen Liverpool icons represent the city in the ceremony. All remarkable in their own right, they have inspired generations and collectively capture the essence of the city that has shaped global culture.” 

Meanwhile, Andrew Lewis, Chief Executive of Liverpool City Council, stated: “It’s an incredible honor for the City of Liverpool to be chosen as the Godparent of Queen Anne. This city shares a treasured bond with Cunard dating back to 1839 when we were the original home of the world-famous line. The naming ceremony was a magnificent showpiece that once again cast Liverpool into the limelight, and we are so proud to be forever entwined with Queen Anne as she sails the world. We will always cherish our long-standing relationship with Cunard.”