Mirren takes on royal role to name cruise ship

Oscar-winner Helen Mirren revisited her role as British royalty when she was invited to officially name the UK's biggest ever cruise liner at a ceremony in Southampton, England, on Wednesday.

'The Queen' actress gave the orders for Royal Marine commandos to abseil from the bridge to the newly launched Ventura ship, and fans cheered as she 'christened' the liner by smashing a bottle of champagne against its bow.

The task is usually one left to Britain's royal family, but Mirren was called upon to complete the duty when it became clear that Queen Elizabeth II was unavailable.

Mirren will join fellow guests and crew on the $660m (€376.7m) ship to enjoy a luxurious two-week holiday on the 3,600-capacity cabin cruise ship.

At the naming ceremony, she said: "It's an incredible pleasure and honour. I wish the ship luck and love and calm seas on her voyages."