Princess Elizabeth meets Cunard's Queen Elizabeth.

The two young princesses, known to have had a close and somewhat playful relationship, stood alongside their mother in the Royal Box, taking in the occasion and no doubt waiting to find out what would happen.

Just before the launch itself, Sir Percy Bates, Chairman of Cunard White Star Line, pointed out the bottle of Empire wine hanging from a flagpole to Princess Elizabeth, explaining that it was ready to be smashed against the side of the ship. Excitedly, the Princess immediately relayed the information to her sister, and the pair got to work in making their own launching model in the Royal Box. They waved to the crew who had congregated along the rail of the bow, 200 feet above, all smiling and laughing with the princesses.

It’s thought that both Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret greatly enjoyed the event, although it must be said that the latter may indeed have missed out on seeing much of it. At just eight-years-old, her height was something of a hindrance, as we can see from the image that only the top of her hat is visible above the walls of the box.

After the launch of the ship, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and the Royal Princesses moved to a platform to wave and rejoice with the tens of thousands in the audience below.

Her first introduction to Cunard, Princess Elizabeth would go on to be a part of many special occasions with us, from celebrating our 150th birthday to launching ships in both Clydebank and in Southampton.