Navy's sub-hunting frigate gets a Welsh blessing and a generator named Katherine

Katherine Jenkins has returned to the Clyde to see the Royal Navy warship she sponsors as it moves closer to entering service.

The Welsh mezzo-soprano visited HMS Cardiff at BAE Systems' Scotstoun shipyard in Glasgow, where the 8,000-tonne Type 26 frigate is being completed.

Wearing a hard hat, overalls and high-visibility clothing, she toured the ship with the teams building the frigate and members of the Royal Navy crew preparing her for life in the fleet.

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The singer was named HMS Cardiff's sponsor in 2023 and has now made her second visit to the ship.

What does a ship's sponsor do?

A ship's sponsor is regarded as a permanent member of a vessel's company throughout its service.

Sponsors traditionally attend key milestones such as launches, commissioning ceremonies and operational homecomings, while maintaining a close relationship with the crew and acting as ambassadors for the ship.

During the visit, singer Katherine signed a blessing written for HMS Cardiff. The final verse was written in Welsh and the blessing will be framed and displayed on board once the ship is complete.

'Dockyard couture' and a generator named Katherine

One of the ship's four diesel generators was officially names Katherine after the singer – each one is capable of generating enough electricity to power around 3,000 homes.

"As ship's sponsor, it's a role I hold with great pride and responsibility, so this annual visit is always a special opportunity to check in on her journey," Katherine said.

"It was fascinating to see how far she has come. I was also delighted to meet two of the ship's company and hear about the people who will one day call her home.

"The ship is progressing beautifully, the children's painting remains in place, one of the generators has been named Katherine, and my dockyard couture continues to be under appreciated by the fashion industry," she said.

Preparing for service

Members of HMS Cardiff's company are already working alongside personnel from HMS Glasgow, the first Type 26 frigate, to develop a 'user manual' for the class before the ships enter service.

Lieutenant Commander Gary Nicolson, HMS Cardiff's First Lieutenant, said Katherine's support "means a great deal to the ship's company".

Executive Warrant Officer Darran Sullivan said meeting the sponsor while the ship was still under construction highlighted the connection between the crew and those supporting the programme.

Built to hunt submarines

HMS Cardiff is the second of the Royal Navy's eight planned Type 26 frigates.

The ship was laid down in 2019 before being moved from BAE Systems' Govan yard to Scotstoun in 2024 for outfitting.

Once in service, she will be based at Devonport and crewed by around 160 sailors.

Her primary role will be anti-submarine warfare, protecting the UK's nuclear deterrent and carrier strike groups from underwater threats.

The frigate will also be able to support maritime security operations, launch and recover uncrewed systems, conduct boarding operations, assist with disaster relief and carry out evacuation missions.