Cunard Celebrates 185 Years with Royal Commemoration Ceremony in Liverpool

On May 27, 2025, Cunard Line will celebrate its 185th anniversary in Liverpool, England, a city that holds historical significance for the company. The event will be presided over by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, who is set to embark on her first official tour of Cunard’s newest ship, Queen Anne.

Queen Anne will arrive in the River Mersey the day before, May 26, following her naming ceremony that also took place in Liverpool. During her visit, Princess Anne will receive a ceremonial welcome from the British Army Band Catterick and will acknowledge Cunard’s rich maritime heritage, along with the contributions of the ship’s captains, Dave Hudson and Inger Thorhauge.

After the ship tour, the ‘Sea of Glamour’ exhibition will open at the Royal Liver Building. This display, curated by renowned photographer Mary McCartney, will showcase 185 photos from Cunard’s archives, featuring famous celebrities, musicians, and members of royalty, alongside contemporary images contributed by the public. The exhibition aims to capture nearly two centuries of transatlantic travel.

A particular highlight will be the unveiling of a new portrait of Queen Anne’s Icons—five influential women from Liverpool chosen to symbolize the city as the ship’s godparent. These Icons include Melanie C, Ngunan Adamu, Natalie Haywood, Jayne Casey, and Katarina Johnson-Thompson. The portrait is scheduled to be photographed by McCartney on the opening day.

The exhibition will be accessible to the public from May 28 to June 17, 2025, after which it will begin a global tour aboard Cunard’s fleet.

This celebration will coincide with other significant events in Liverpool, including BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend and a Premier League victory parade for Liverpool FC, making it a memorable weekend for the city.

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