pregnant princesses!!

Kate Middleton Smashes Champagne Bottle, Wears ‘Dalmatian’ Print

Kate Middleton.
Kate Middleton. Photo: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Today, Kate Middleton made her final solo royal appearance before she retires to her parents’ house for the remainder of her pregnancy. And it was a fitting grand finale: Dressed in a “dalmatian”-print dress* and elaborate hat, she christened an enormous cruise ship called Royal Princess by cutting a ribbon and smashing a bottle of Champagne over its regal prow.

Or is it named after the baby?! Time will tell. Photo: Chris Jackson/2Getty Images

Before doing the honors, Kate got a boat tour from Captain Tony Draper, which included a trip to the control room. Maybe he even let her turn the rudder, or whatever it is they do up there.

Ahoy! Photo: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

As Kate officially christened the ship — under a dramatic shower of ticker tape, no less — she is now officially its “godmother.” Which is nice and all, but it does seem a little mean to name a giant boat after a pregnant lady.

Photo: BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images

If pregnancy is going to keep you from your Champagne, you might as well smash the whole bottle in dramatic fashion!

Photo: AFP/Getty Images

Bon voyage, princess. Rest up and bonne chance.

* This post has been corrected to show that Kate is actually wearing “dalmatian” print, not leopard — how very Cruella de Vil. Her dress is from the British brand Hobbs.

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