As Hannah Waddingham follows in the footsteps of Diana and Kate Middleton by becoming godmother to a princess ship, her newfound success has her cozying up to the royal family

British actress Hannah Waddingham’s career success seems to have no limits at the moment – and she’s now even set to become the godmother of a princess ship.

Having hosted the Eurovision Song Contest in the UK last year, 49-year-old Waddingham’s name seems to be everywhere.

And she has now been given an honor usually reserved for the most high-profile of famous faces, and one often given to senior members of the royal family.

The Ted Lasso actress has been named the godmother of Princess Cruise Line’s ‘Love Boat’ Sun Princess ship, according to People Magazine.

The title means Waddingham follows Kate Middleton, Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth II – all of whom have been cruise ship ‘godparents’.

But the honor is just the latest example of Waddingham’s seemingly growing links with the royal family as her career reaches new heights of success.

As she cements her place as the nation’s sweetheart, her attachment to the royal family has grown.

From hosting the Earthshot Awards alongside Prince William to entertaining both King Charles and Kate, Hannah seems to be the royals’ new favorite celebrity.

Here, FEMAIL takes a look at all the times the former Game Of Thrones star appeared to be a favorite with the royals, winning them over with her charisma and talent.

Following in the royal footsteps as godmother of cruise ships

It was revealed earlier this week that Waddingham is the latest star to be named the ‘godmother’ of a cruise ship.

Hannah told PEOPLE magazine: ‘I couldn’t believe I’ve been asked to be a ship’s godmother, having grown up around boats all my life and my grandfather was in the Atlantic Convoy in the Navy.

‘To be asked to be a part of this beautiful honor is a “pinch me” moment.

‘I am also honored to be in the esteemed company of past godparents of princess ships, including Diana, Princess of Wales, Her Royal Highness Princess of Wales Kate Middleton, Audrey Hepburn, Martha Stewart and many others.’

Princess Diana was considered godfather to the Princess Royal in 1984.

Meanwhile, Kate became godmother to Princess Cruises’ first royal class ship, Royal Princess in 2013 – her last public engagement before having Prince George.

She cut a ribbon to release a bottle of Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial Champagne to smash on the hull.

The late Queen Elizabeth herself was godmother to a number of cruise ships, three of which were operated by luxurious Cunard lines.

The monarch launched the Queen Elizabeth II ship back in 1967 – and its first passenger was the now King Charles.

In 2019, Queen Camilla was appointed godmother of Saga Cruise’s ship, Spirit of Discovery.

Cruise ship godmothers are said to bring the ships good luck and protection on their voyages and are a long-standing tradition.

These ‘godmothers’ attend a ‘christening’ ceremony and officially name the ship, the ceremony famously involving breaking a bottle of champagne on the ship’s hull.

Other famous cruise ship godparents include Jennifer Hudson, Whoopi Goldberg, Dame Helen Mirren and Oprah Winfrey.

The Sun Princess can carry 4,300 guests and 1,600 crew members. It has a stunning glass dome with a stage for theatrical performances under starlight.

It even has an arena and so many shops that guests can enjoy a ‘high street’ style shopping experience.

“We are delighted to welcome the luminous and elegant Hannah Waddingham to serve as godmother to our sensational new sun princess,” Princess Cruises president John Padgett said in a statement.

‘Like the Sun Princess, she exudes sophistication, beauty and wonder through her inspiring work as a talented and award-winning actress and performer.

‘We are truly honored that Hannah will officially name our most impressive, luxurious and stunning Love Boat ever created, joining an esteemed group of Princess Patrons, including members of the Royal Family.’

Host of Prince William’s The Earthshot Prize ceremony

Hannah has made no secret of the fact that she is a big fan of Prince William and calls him ‘the most extraordinary man’.

The actress strengthened her bond with the Prince of Wales after she hosted the Earthshot Awards in Singapore last November – a moment that made her ‘very proud’.

William donned a sharp velor suit and a dickie bow, while the Ted Lasso star wore a dazzling black ball gown with an emerald sheen, which undoubtedly stole the show from her royal counterpart.

The pair looked perfectly co-ordinated – in a move that symbolizes just how close Hannah’s bond with the royals has become.

Talking to Parade magazinereferred to Hannah William as a ‘lovely gentleman’ and revealed the sweet exchange in which she and co-host Sterling K. Brown told the prince.

“We co-hosted and he and I said to Prince William, ‘Sir, I hope you realize you’re a cut above the rest, because you are,'” she recalled.

And Hannah didn’t stop there. ‘That man is passionate about the environment and I was very proud to be there and be the figure that is heard for his organisation.’ She concluded: ‘He is quite an extraordinary man.’

Meeting Prince William and Kate at the Royal Variety Performance

Prince William and Kate seemed completely won over by Waddingham at the Royal Variety Performance last December.

The show is held every year to raise money for the Royal Variety Charity – of which King Charles is patron – and is one of the few televised entertainment events attended by senior members of the British royal family.

Waddingham appeared to cheer on the royal couple in one of their last appearances together before Kate’s absence from the public eye and the news of her cancer diagnosis this year.

Kate and William both beamed as they spoke to Waddingham and even exchanged hugs.

Near the end of the show, Waddingham took to the stage at the Royal Albert Hall to sing the Christmas Carol O Holy Night, accompanied by the English National Opera.

The Princess of Wales was apparently enchanted by the performance and clapped loudly to show her appreciation.

She was seen turning to the person to her left to tell them: ‘Great, that was great.’

Chatting with King Charles and Queen Camilla as they hosted the Eurovision Song Contest

When the Eurovision Song Contest was hosted by Great Britain for the first time in 25 years, Hannah was chosen to represent the country as host.

King Charles and Queen Camilla went to Liverpool to see how the preparations for the competition were going – and met with presenters Scott Mills, Julia Sanina, Rylan Clark and Waddingham.

It was Hannah who stood prominently in the middle of the royal couple and was seen sharing a laugh with the king as they posed for photos.

Her touching tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

Following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, Waddingham said the news was ‘like a grandmother dying’.

At the Sept. 12 Emmy Awards, she told Variety that she was “overwhelmed by how deeply saddened I was” by the news of her passing.

She said: ‘It makes me emotional to think about it. I sat with my dad on the couch and I watched it all night until I couldn’t keep my eyes open because I couldn’t believe it. It’s like a grandmother dying.’

She expressed a very empathetic reaction to the now-King Charles, explaining: ‘It hit me far worse than I thought it would and the enormous pressure that our King has on his shoulders now.’