Duchess of Cornwall Visits Cunard's Queen Victoria

History was made in Liverpool on 26 July when Her Royal Highness, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall paid a visit to the decks of Cunard Line's Queen Victoria as the ship made her maiden call in Liverpool. The day marked The Duchess' second visit to the ship - her first was for the ship's naming ceremony in December 2007 when she christened the liner.

Not only did The Duchess reacquaint herself with "her" ship and crew, but she also helped Cunard commemorate the 170th anniversary of the company's first ship, the Britannia, which set sail from Liverpool in July 1840.

"Cunard is honoured that Her Royal Highness named this fine ship, and delighted that she continues to display such an interest both in the ship and in the crew. The Duchess will always be warmly welcomed on board," said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line.

Later that evening there were two concerts in the theatre onboard Queen Victoria. The first included the 65 piece Halle Orchestra along with tenors and sopranos and conductor Anthony Inglis. They performed the famous Liverpool Anthem Never Walk Alone – on Queen Victoria, on the Mersey, in Liverpool 170 years from when Samuel Cunard gave birth to line. The concert was followed by a fireworks show and a second concert, this one by a Beatles tribute band.