Fit for a queen

THE Queen will lead a flotilla of an estimated 1,000 boats along the Thames to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee in June next year.

The monarch will celebrate her 60 years on the throne in style, with the flotilla being the largest river pageant since the reign of Charles II, Alan Tilbury tells us.

Tower Bridge

It will start from Putney Bridge in the early afternoon and arrive at Tower Bridge 90 minutes later, with Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, exclaiming:

"I cannot conceive of a more fitting celebration of Her Majesty's 60 years on the throne than a majestic flotilla of vessels winding their way along the iconic River Thames and showcasing our proud maritime history."

Seven miles long

It is expected the flotilla will be over seven miles long, and will be accompanied by music, special effects and fireworks. It is calculated that 30,000 people will be afloat with millions lining the route.

The organisers have contacted every lord lieutenant in the country and the Commonwealth high commissioners to summon craft of all sorts. Boat owners whose vessels are seaworthy and capable of progressing downstream on the ebbing tide at four knots (4.6mph) will be invited to apply to take part.

Which means narrowboats can be included, as they can easily reach that speed on an ebbing tide.