While Camilla looked every inch a Queen in a hat the likes of which was worn in earlier times by
Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, all didn’t quite go to plan.
To the audible gasps of the watching crowds,
the champagne bottle failed to smash following the launch by the Duchess of
Cornwall.
Legend has it that if the bottle doesn't smash, the vessel will suffer
bad luck, as happened with the Aurora cruise liner which was struck by major troubles following its similarly unhappy launch by the Duchess's sister-in-law, Princess
Anne, in April 2000.
Soaking up the atmosphere,
Camilla appeared to be all smiles as she enjoyed a tour of the liner,
at one point sounding the horn of the great ship.
On this occasion, Prince Charles appeared happy to play second fiddle
to Camilla as he looked on as his wife pressed the button to launch the
Queen Victoria before a crowd of more than 2,000 onlookers.
However, few people outside the region may have witnessed today's
launch, at which no expense was spared as the audience were treated to a spectacular stage show and performances from such famous faces as opera star Katherine
Jenkins and actor Derek Jacobi.
