9:10am Friday 7th December 2007
By Keith Hamilton
QUEEN Victoria is officially in residence. Cunard's brand new £300 million ship made her dramatic entrance in her home port of Southampton for the first time today.
It was early this morning that Queen Victoria made her way up Southampton Water, escorted by tugs throwing water high into the air, to berth alongside City Cruise Terminal in the western docks.
Queen Victoria will be an imposing sight towering over the city's waterfront until next Tuesday and sightseers will have a grandstand view of the latest Cunarder from Mayflower Park.
Five days of celebrations, marking Queen Victoria's entry into service, are now set to begin in the city including a royal naming ceremony, a giant firework display together with a spoof fair and entertainment on the city's waterfront.
Following the Cunard tradition of inviting royalty to officially name her new ship the Duchess of Cornwall will be the guest of honour on Monday when she performs the traditional ceremony of sending a bottle of champagne smashing against the side of the ship. The event will be relayed and shown on a huge screen from 3pm in Mayflower Park.
Before the ceremony, Camilla, accompanied by the Prince of Wales will tour the ship and meet the master, Captain Paul Wright and members of the crew.
Queen Victoria is due to leave on her maiden voyage at 5pm next Tuesday against the background of a glittering firework display, which will be best viewed from either Mayflower Park or Marchwood.
Click HERE for Queen Victoria photo gallery
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