Launching a new phase in young royal lives

The world might have had its eye on a certain princess called Charlotte in the last few days but while the littlest royal on the continent has been captivating everyone, two other young regal girls have been taking new steps on their path to monarchy. Princess Ingrid of Norway and Princess Elisabeth of Belgium have both been launching boats.

Princess Ingrid Alexandra launches a boat for the first time

It's a bit part of the royal job. Naming and smashing a bottle of something into the side of a boat is bread and butter for senior members of ruling dynasties and both these young queens in waiting got a helping hand from people who know just how the job has to be done - their country's current kings. In Ingrid's case that meant a day out with granddad, Harald V, while Elisabeth was with her father, Philippe, for her big moment.

La Princesse Elisabeth est marraine du patrouilleur P902 ‘Pollux’ de la #MarineBE #DéfenseBE pic.twitter.com/9VAO5BTUfN

— Belgian Royal Palace (@MonarchieBe) May 6, 2015

Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway, now eleven, did the honours for a new lifeboat which she helped launch in Oslo at the start of the week. The future monarch made a mini speech, naming the boat Elias and wishing the ship and all who work on it luck before mentioning the valuable work its crew will do along Norway's coast. She then smashed a bottle against the side of the boat, its name plate was revealed by a sailor and the princess handed the keys to one of the crew.

Princess Ingrid Alexandra during her speech at the boat launch

Princess Elisabeth, Duchess of Brabant was at the naval port of Zeebrugge for her big  moment accompanied by her parents, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde. She named a patrol boat, the P902 Pollux, which is the second vessel of its kind launched by the Belgian Navy.  Looking very grown up, the thirteen year old Duchess of Brabant stayed at her parents' sides for some of the event before going solo and stepping up to the microphone for a small speech of her own.

Prinses Elisabeth is doopmeter van het patrouillevaartuig P902 'Pollux' van #MarineBE #DefensieBE pic.twitter.com/WJrkSz4gY7

— Belgian Royal Palace (@MonarchieBe) May 6, 2015

These were two big days in two young royal lives which are destined to end on their country's thrones. Ingrid and Elisabeth both looked calm and composed during what were major events for both princesses.

Ingrid Alexandra gets a helping hand from granddad, King Harald, as she launches a boat for the first time

In years to come there will be many more boat launches as they two princesses grow up and eventually become queens. And it all started on cool May days in 2015 with the help of their country's reigning monarchs, a very regal chapter in their two royal careers.