Katherine Jenkins: Welsh Opera Star Champions Royal Navy and Takes Centre Stage

A Historic Royal Navy Appointment

Katherine Jenkins was revealed as the official sponsor of the Royal Navy’s next-generation submarine hunter HMS Cardiff, with the Welsh mezzo-soprano becoming an ambassador for the frigate and all who serve aboard. Katherine Jenkins became the first celebrity to be made sponsor of a Royal Navy warship, as part of a move to make the military more accessible to the wider public. This historic appointment marks a deliberate shift from traditionally asking the wives of admirals to fulfil this role.

HMS Cardiff is the second of eight new submarine-hunting frigates being built on the River Clyde to protect UK waters, the nation’s strategic nuclear deterrent and most important surface ships from the latest underwater threats. The honour recognises Jenkins’ dedication to supporting the Armed Forces over nearly two decades.

Royal Variety Performance 2024

The celebrated singer continues to captivate audiences with high-profile performances. Opera star Katherine Jenkins led the National Anthem at this year’s Royal Variety Performance, which was hosted by Jason Manford in the presence of members of the Royal Family. At the Royal Variety Performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London, the singer wowed in a boldly patterned dress by Vivienne Westwood.

Jenkins performed an arrangement on the Royal Variety Show, where she also sang the national anthem. The singer tackled a unique challenge by recording a classical interpretation of ‘Golden’ from the animated film KPop Demon Hunters, even learning to sing parts in Korean for the first time.

A Career of Classical Excellence

Katherine is a Welsh mezzo-soprano whose first album, Premiere, saw nearly 100,000 people buy it, shooting straight to the top of the classical charts. Her journey began at age 10 when she won the Choir Girl of the Year competition, eventually earning a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music.

Katherine Jenkins OBE has established herself as one of Britain’s most successful classical artists, combining operatic arias with popular songs and musical theatre. Her work supporting His Majesty’s Armed Forces has remained a cornerstone of her career, making her naval appointment particularly fitting. As HMS Cardiff prepares to enter service later this decade, Jenkins will continue her role as an ambassador for the ship and its crew, representing a modern approach to military tradition whilst celebrating British classical music excellence.