The liner is due to undertake its maiden voyage on 12 January

The Queen is due to name the world's biggest passenger liner on 8 January, 2004, in Southampton.

But the ship's operator Cunard cannot be certain when it will go-ahead following the weekend's accident in which a gangway collapsed, killing 15 and injuring about 30.

At the moment, it is hoped the liner will still arrive in Southampton on Boxing Day.

Town authorities in Saint Nazaire, where the accident happened, have cancelled celebrations they planned to mark the handover of the ship to Cunard on 20 December.

The ship is due to make her maiden voyage to Florida on 12 January.

Communications director Eric Flounders said that, while unlikely, it was possible that French prosecutors - who have launched an involuntary manslaughter inquiry - may want the cruise ship to remain at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard.

Mr Flounders told BBC News Online: "We just do not know at the moment. The information we have is that it is very unlikely so we think her departure on her maiden voyage is unlikely to be delayed.

Queen Mary 2 completed sea trials this month

"But it's difficult to say categorically because we do not know the effect of the French judicial review that is going to take place.

"The date remains the most likely for the naming ceremony.

"Obviously there will be some changes to its content as we have to acknowledge this event.

"We will look at whatever we have in mind and decide whether it is appropriate in the circumstances."

The Queen has sent a message of sympathy to the families of the victims of Saturday's accident.

The victims landed on the concrete floor of the dry dock after a fall of almost 15 metres.

The ship has been under construction at the French shipyard since 2002.

It is the largest and most expensive passenger ship ever built.