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Join Wundry Plus in the Wundery app or on Apple Podcasts. Wandering. It's September 1967 at a shipyard on the river Clyde in Scotland.

Hunard Chairman Basil Smallpiece walks along a concrete path next to Sir Michael Adeen, Queen Elizabeth

II's private secretary.

The hull of a massive red and black ship towers over the men. It's the Q4, Kunard's latest liner nearing completion,

and the Queen herself is due to christen the ship at a ceremony later in the month.

But a name for the vessel has still not been selected. Two men stop beneath

the ship's bow and Michael tilts his head back to take in its size.

You know, Her Majesty is very much looking forward to the ceremony. She remembers her mother christening the old Queen Elizabeth back in 38.

Have you chosen an Amy yet? There's one I have in mind actually.

Oh good, we were beginning to get a little concern. It is perhaps unconventional.

Oh, well if I were to have my way I would christen her Queen Elizabeth II and break tradition?

Basil, how could you?

Michael is referring to the British custom that only battleships in time of war can be named

after reigning monarchs.

Well, what other name could be worthy of Kunard's most magnificent ship to date?

The whole world loves Her Majesty.

It's the only thing that feels right.

Well, I understand, and I agree with you, it would be apt, I think. Unfortunately, though, there are these traditionalists who might make a fuss.

I can't imagine you'd want any sort of controversy to overshadow the launch.

No, no, certainly not. but perhaps there's a loophole. There usually is I find. What if we simply

call her the Queen Elizabeth? So two Kunard ships named Queen Elizabeth? Well, they won't be in service at the same time.

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