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Behind the name

Historian Kate Williams explains the significance of our newest ship's namesake, Queen Anne.

7 min 08 Feb 2022

Cunard

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The name ‘Queen Anne’ celebrates Cunard’s rich heritage, royal history, and refined status – joining a luxury contemporary fleet now honouring the names of each Queen Regnant over the last millennium.

 

Our close relationship with the British monarchy is a key part of our heritage, and we pride ourselves on a history that is closely interwoven with that of the nation. A fitting name for the fourth in a fleet of prestigious queens, Queen Anne was chosen because of the monarch’s many merits. Reigning between the years of 1702 and 1714, in just twelve short years Queen Anne achieved a great deal, including the unification of Great Britain and pushing forward the boundaries of arts and education, enabling great progress and change. An often overlooked and even mistreated sovereign, Queen Anne was an accomplished and dedicated woman. Well-loved by the people, she was an example of true grace and refinement: two qualities that are emulated by her namesake, our fourth ship.

"She did so much in her reign. She pulled the country into a new century, she fostered arts, innovation, sciences, she made so many changes within constitutional, political monarchy and really created monarchy... and the country as we know it today."

Professor Kate Williams, historian

Meet the expert

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Kate Williams is a historian and broadcaster, specialising in modern history, royal and constitutional affairs, and is Professor of Modern History at Reading University. She is currently an in-house historical analyst for CNN, providing expert commentary for news and events such as the D-day anniversary and the funeral of Baroness Thatcher.


Kate has worked with various broadcasters to cover events of national and international significance, including the RTS award-winning 70th-anniversary coverage of VE Day, the Royal Wedding and the Olympic Opening Ceremony. Kate has also appeared on several quiz shows on television and radio, and is a NYT bestselling author of six historical books.

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