The UK's Royal Research Ship (RRS) Discovery was officially named at the beginning of October, by HRH The Princess Royal. The naming ceremony took place at the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton and was attended by around 200 guests.

Guests included the Science Minister David Willetts, local MPs, civic guests and senior figures from the UK’s marine science community. The ceremony was concluded with a bottle of champagne being smashed in the traditional manner on the vessel’s bow. The Honorary Assistant Bishop of Winchester, the Right Reverend John Dennis, blessed Discovery.

The invited guests were then escorted around the ship and National Oceanography Centre on an official tour.

For more infomation please visit the National Oceanography Centre webpages covering the event.