

Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
Thank you for signing up to Marie Claire. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
- Back in 2016, the U.K.’s Natural Environment Research Council decided it would be a good idea to let members of the public vote on the name for a research ship.
- The members of the public promptly rose to the challenge and voted on the very sophisticated name "Boaty McBoatface."
- This week, the ship was renamed in honor of conversationist David Attenborough and Prince William took the opportunity to make a Boaty McBoatface joke during his speech at the naming ceremony.
When the U.K.’s Natural Environment Research Council held an online poll to name a research ship in 2016, they may have expected the public to settle on something profound or respectable or at least normal.
But, because the internet exists, none of those things happened. Instead, thanks to a wonderful suggestion from a radio presenter, the public voted in "Boaty McBoatface" as the name of the research ship.
You know, as you do.
Although Boaty McBoatface had a solid run, this year, the ship was renamed the RRS Sir David Attenborough, in honor of the noted conservationist and naturalist.
Among those present at the official naming ceremony in Birkenhead, England this week were Prince William and Kate Middleton, who took active roles in the event. Kate helped with the tradition of smashing a Champagne bottle on the ship's hull, and Will was taksed with introducing Attenborough, who also (naturally) appeared at the event.
In true millennial royal fashion, Will did not let the moment go by without a nod to the ship's original, internet-y name.
"As last week’s climate protests the world over, and yesterday’s report on our oceans and frozen regions demonstrated, there has never been a more important moment for this ship to get to work. It is my immense privilege and relief to welcome Sir David Attenborough, rather than Boaty McBoatface, to speak," he said, according to Reuters.
A literal royal just said "Boaty McBoatface" during an official speech at an official royal engagement, so I can probably die happy now.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORIES
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with more than 10 years of professional experience. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
Prince William and Prince Harry Rift: "Happy Families Are Not a Game That Everyone Can Play," Says Expert
Yeesh.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Pierce Brosnan Gave His Wife Keely 60 Roses for Her 60th Birthday
These two!!!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Travis Kelce Jerseys Have Seen a "400% Spike in Sales" Amid Rumored Taylor Swift Romance
The power this woman has...
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
George, Charlotte and Louis Will Be Laden With Gifts as Prince William Returns From New York
He was handed so many souvenirs for the little ones.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Makes Sure to "Treat George and Charlotte as Equals," Body Language Expert Says
I should hope so!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Isn't "A Workaholic Like His Father," Royal Expert Claims
He's got more of a work-life balance.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate's New "Signature" Gesture? The Stealthy "Bum Pat" to Prince William
Love this for her.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry Says His "Spirit Is Renewed" as He Attends the Warrior Games for Wounded Service Members in San Diego
The Games inspired his Invictus concept.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Not Expected to Invite Prince Harry to His Coronation, Friend Claims
That doesn't sound good.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
We Finally Know Where the Earthshot Prize 2023 Will Take Place
Let's go!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate Is Seen Skipping Happily With Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte in Behind-the-Scenes Footage
This is too cute.
By Iris Goldsztajn