Ship will NOT be named Boaty McBoatface (although its new name is still pretty cool)

Democracy, hey? Whatever happened to that?

After a public vote to name a new £200m polar research ship resulted in an overwhelming victory for 'Boaty McBoatface', the final name has been revealed: and it seems we live in an autocratic dictatorship.

The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) boat will, instead be named the RSS Sir David Attenborough, "in tribute to a great broadcaster & natural scientist", according to Jo Johnson, the minister for science and technology.

Sir David, who celebrates his 90th birthday on Sunday, stated that he was "truly honoured" by the decision, adding that he hoped, "everyone who suggested a name will feel just as inspired to follow the ship's progress as it explores our polar regions".

He continued, "I have been privileged to explore the world's deepest oceans alongside amazing teams of researchers, and with this new polar research ship they will be able to go further and discover more than ever before."

Boaty McBoatface was the runaway winner of a public vote, netting 124,109 votes. In second place was 'Poppy-Mai', who brought in 34,371 votes. Poppy-Mai Barnard was a child cancer sufferer who sadly died earlier this week at the age of just 18 months. David Attenborough came fifth with just 10,284 votes. However, it was made clear from the start that the poll was never going to the only deciding factor in the naming of the ship.

Before you all get too mad though, it's also been revealed that a remotely operated undersea vehicle that operates alongside the ship will, instead, be given the moniker Boaty McBoatface. Which is kind of cool, although it really should have been named Subby McSubface instead.

To be fair, no one can argue with the legendary and much-loved Attenborough getting the tribute, and keeping a 'Boaty' in there is no doubt a move to try and keep public opinion onside. 

You can take a look at some of the ship's incredible facts below.