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| HRH The Duchess of Cornwall unveils a specially commissioned portrait of her by Royal artist Richard Stone during fifth anniversary celebrations aboard Cunard Line's Queen Victoria. |
“We are delighted that Her Royal Highness joined us for such a special day in the life of the ship and her crew,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. “Queen Victoria is very much The Duchess’ ship, and we are honoured that she continues to have such an active interest in the ship and her crew.”
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.
Renowned artist Richard Stone was commissioned by Cunard 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.
“It is a great privilege to be able to step, for a brief time, into the lives of others,” said Stone. “Everyone has the most remarkable story to tell. It’s an honour to be in a situation where the sitter trusts me enough to allow me, through their portrait, to tell some of that story.”
Peter Shanks added, “Tradition is very important to us at Cunard and I am delighted we are able to continue this fine tradition of specially-commissioned Royal portraits for our ships. Cunard is very proud of Queen Victoria, her officers and crew, and this striking portrait attests to our continuing relationship with Her Royal Highness.”
Today’s visit to Queen Victoria by The Duchess of Cornwall also involved The Prince’s Trust. The Trust’s “Get into Customer Service” programme, delivered by Cunard, recently gave twelve local unemployed young people, ages 16 to 23 years, the skills and confidence to find a job in the customer services industry through work placements across four Cunard departments. These young people were on board Queen Victoria to meet Her Royal Highness, who presented to them their certificates for completing the “Get into” programme.
As a Gold Patron of The Prince’s Trust, Cunard has enjoyed a long and successful relationship with the youth charity since 2007 and has so far raised nearly $1.3 million for its work in the United Kingdom. Three in four young people supported by The Trust progress into work, education or training.
“We are proud to support The Prince’s Trust – helping young people in today’s challenging world is something we are committed to,” said Peter Shanks.
During her visit to Queen Victoria, The Duchess was greeted and escorted aboard by Peter Shank, president of Cunard Line. Captain Peter Philpott, master of Queen Victoria, then escorted her on a tour of the ship, meeting crew members from all ranks before attending a lunch where she cut a commemorative birthday cake. The Duchess then viewed a plaque marking her visit and signed the Visitors Book (making her third entry in this special book) before departing the ship. Participating in the events was Maureen Ryan, the ship's "madrina," or sponsor, at the ship's float-out from construction in January 2007.
Queen Victoria’s crew lined the three tiers of the Grand Lobby when The Duchess arrived, and embarking passengers line the tiers for her departure.
To view a brief video of today's celebrations and the portrait unveiling on board, visit the We Are Cunard YouTube Channel.
For more information about Queen Victoria and to book a voyage, contact your Travel Agent, call Cunard toll free at 1-800-728-6273, or visit www.cunard.com.
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About Cunard LineCunard Line, operator of the luxury ocean liners Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth, has long been synonymous with the quest for new discoveries and the epitome of British refinement since the company's first paddle-wheeled steamer, Britannia, crossed the Atlantic in 1840. Cunard voyages bring together like-minded travelers who seek a civilised adventure and relish the Cunard hallmarks of impeccable White Star Service, gourmet dining and world-class entertainment. Today, Cunard offers the only regularly scheduled trans-Atlantic liner service and continues the legacy of world cruising which it began in 1922.
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Cunard is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises and Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, World’s Leading Cruise Lines inspires people to discover their best vacation experience. Together, we offer a variety of exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations. Visit us at www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com.
About The Prince’s Trust
Youth charity The Prince’s Trust helps disadvantaged young people to get their lives on track. It supports 13 to 30 year-olds who are unemployed and those struggling at school and at risk of exclusion. Many of the young people helped by The Prince’s Trust are in or leaving care, facing issues such as homelessness or mental health problems, or they have been in trouble with the law. The Trust’s programmes give vulnerable young people the practical and financial support needed to stabilise their lives, helping develop self-esteem and skills for work. Three in four young people supported by The Prince’s Trust move into work, education or training. The Prince of Wales’s charity has helped more than 700,000 young people since 1976 and supports 100 more each day. Further information about The Prince’s Trust is available at princes-trust.org.uk.
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