86 years ago in Clydebank, Scotland, Queen Elizabeth officially launched what was then the biggest ship in the world.
Joining her at the event were daughters Princess Elizabeth, aged 12, and Princess Margaret, aged 8.
The Queen Elizabeth, which was named in the Queen Mother’s honour, was the first of three mighty Cunard ships to take the name. She cut the ribbon using the same gold scissors Queen Mary used to launch her namesake ship in 1934.
For young Princess Elizabeth, it would be the first of many visits to a Cunard ship bearing her mother’s (and later her) name. In fact, across more than seven decades, the future Queen would be the only person known to attend the launch of all three ‘Elizabeths’.
8 October, 1946: Queen Elizabeth Sea Trials
It would be some years before the original Queen Elizabeth could actually serve her intended purpose as a transatlantic ocean liner; she was first conscripted as a troopship in World War 2. During her post-war reconversion, the Queen and her two daughters boarded once again to take a ceremonial role in the refurbished ship’s trials. The two Princesses were given stopwatches to time the Queen Elizabeth’s speed along the Clyde.
20 September, 1967: Launch of the Queen Elizabeth 2
Contrary to popular belief, Cunard’s next flagship was not named after Queen Elizabeth II, but after the previous ocean liner (hence the “2” in place of royal roman numerals). Nonetheless, the reigning monarch, dutifully attended, cutting the ribbon with the same gold scissors her mother and grandmother used to launch their namesake ships in the 1930s.
The QE2, still one of history’s best-remembered ocean liners, remained in operation all the way until 2008. On retirement she was refitted into a floating hotel in Dubai, where she remains to this day.
11 October, 2010: Launch of the third Queen Elizabeth
72 years after attending her first Cunard ship launch, Queen Elizabeth II launched the latest and current Queen Elizabeth in Southampton.
This much-loved modern version was designed in tribute to the previous two ships, with 1930s decor and white-gloved service that evokes the golden age of cruising.
Dreaming of a cruise on this famous ship?
Sadly, the Queen Elizabeth‘s annual trips to Australia — a much-loved staple in recent years — will soon come to an end, with this summer’s visit planned to be her last. Moving forward she will be operating year-round in North America.
To help Starts at 60 readers make the most of these final opportunities, we’re currently offering exclusive discounted fares on four upcoming QE voyages — but only for the next four days. Learn more here.