DUCHESS JOINS 'VICTORIA' CELEBRATION

HRH The Duchess of Cornwall unveils a specially commissioned
portrait (Credit: Cunard)

 Earlier this week we reported on the fifth anniversary of the Queen Victoria, which was named by Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall in December, 2007. On Thursday The Duchess made a return visit to unveil a specially-commissioned portrait of herself.

Cunard notes "this new portrait of The Duchess is in keeping with the Cunard tradition of commissioning commemorative sculptures or portraits for display on board each ship named by a member of the Royal Family. The three-quarter length artwork shows The Duchess seated and dressed in a cream suit with ruffle detailing. It replaces a photograph of The Duchess which she signed just before naming Queen Victoria, and will be given a prominent place in the ship’s Grand Lobby."

Cunard commissioned artist Richard Stone to paint the new portrait. He has been a portrait painter for 35 years and has painted most members of the Royal Family. The Duchess sat for Stone three times at Clarence House.

A special birthday cake accompanied by the ship's "madrina," Maureen Ryan,
one of Cunard's longest-serving crew members. (Cunard)