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Royal appearance planned for P&O celebrations

Princess Anne is to take centre stage in celebrations to mark 175 years of P&O Cruises in July.


The Grand Event festivities include all seven of P&O’s ships sailing from Southampton on July 3, the first time the whole fleet has ever been seen together. The ships will be led by a naval war ship before moving into formation to be photographed from the air.


In her capacity as Master of the Corporation of Trinity House, a maritime charity, Princess Anne will sail out on one of Trinity’s vessels called THV Patricia, and come up on deck where she will wave as the P&O ships sail past and sound their horns.


Princess Anne is Godmother to two P&O ships, Oceana and Aurora.


P&O Cruises managing director Carol Marlow said: “This is a special surprise for passengers. The event is a real celebration of the expertise of cruising and it is going to be part of British maritime history.”


Princess Anne will also attend an afternoon tea party with invited guests that will include some of P&O’s most loyal customers.


There is still some availability on Ventura, Aurora and Adonia for the special sailings.


The seven ships will go on to follow different itineraries, but there will be celebratory gala dinner that evening and events throughout the cruises. There will be a prize draw on each ship, with the chance of winning a world cruise for two. Each guest will also receive a special gift.

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