The Unseen Queen

Cunard releases a collection of rare photographs of HM The Queen from its personal archive that are available to download to mark Her Majesty's 90th birthday

SOUTHAMPTON, England, April 20, 2016 /CNW/ -- Ahead of The Queen's 90th birthday tomorrow Cunard has released from their archives a series of never-before-seen photos of Her Majesty to mark the occasion. The photos record each Cunard ship naming she attended - the first being in 1938 when she was 12 years old - when she accompanied her mother Queen Elizabeth to the launch of RMS Queen Elizabeth, the largest ocean liner in the world. Since then, The Queen has launched and named four Cunard ships. Her Majesty is the only person present at the launch of all three Cunard Elizabeths - the first in 1938, QE2 in 1967 and Queen Elizabeth in 2010.

HRH Princess Elizabeth, aged 21, had been asked to perform the launch of Caronia – a ship that would become the most luxurious cruise ship in the world and noted for her unusual green livery. This would be the last public function that the Princess would undertake in the weeks before her marriage to the dashing young Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten, who would accompany his bride-to-be to Clydeside of the occasion. Afterwards, a ration-breaking lunch was served, featuring cream of tomato soup; cold turkey, ham and tongue; potato croquette potatoes and green peas; Pear Melba followed by coffee.

HM The Queen had her first view of what was to become QE2 as she flew overhead prior to landing at Abbotsinch Airport in Glasgow. She was then driven to the shipbuilder's offices. There she was met by Admiral Sir Angus Cunninghame Graham, Lord Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire who presented Sir Basil Smallpeice and Lord Aberconway to Her Majesty. After a private luncheon party in the Boardroom the Queen then made the two-minute car journey to the launching berth where she and the Duke spent 20 minutes inspecting the launching arrangements.

To view the series and for further information, please click here.

For more information about Cunard or to book a voyage, contact your Travel Consultant, call Cunard Line at 1-800-728-6273 or visit www.cunard.com.

About Cunard
Defining true excellence at sea with over 175 years of legendary voyages, Cunard is the operator of luxury ocean liners Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth that are renowned for impeccable White Star Service, gourmet dining and world-class entertainment. Cunard has long been synonymous with the quest for new discoveries since the company's first paddle-wheeled steamer, Britannia, crossed the Atlantic in 1840.Today Cunard offers the only regularly scheduled Transatlantic liner service and continues the legacy of world cruising which it began in 1922.

World's Leading Cruise Lines
Cunard is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises, Seabourn and fathom. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, World's Leading Cruise Lines inspires people to discover their best vacation experience. Together, we offer a variety of exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations. Visit us at www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com.

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Cunard photography is available online at www.cunard3queens.com or at www.cunardimages.com   
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For additional information about Cunard, contact:
Jackie Chase, Cunard Line, 661-753-1035, jchase@cunard.com
Maria Andriano, MGA Media Group, 212-251-1015, maria@mgamediagroup.com

Photo- http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160420/358090 
Photo- http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160420/358079 
Photo- http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160420/358080 

SOURCE Cunard Line