Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her 60 years on the throne with a river pageant on the famous Thames. More than 1,000 vessels and about 20,000 people participated in the river procession considered as the biggest event for hundreds of years.
Millions of people around the world witnessed the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant which was highlighted by a formal fluvial parade of dragon boats assembled from the different parts of the Commonwealth, floating belfry and the flotilla centrepiece – the Royal Barge fully adorned with 10,000 flowers.
The classic procession started from the Battersea Bridge and ended at the Tower Bridge which was raised to its full height to replicate a royal salute. The 86-year old Queen waved to thousands of cheerers during the two hours of journey along the Thames.
The other activities of the momentous event were the Epsom Derby attended by the Queen; Big Jubilee Lunch where people shared lunch with friends and neighbours; and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Concert held at the Buckingham Palace featuring British and famous music artists. Among the performers were Elton John, Tom Jones, Cliff Richard, Paul McCartney and Shirley Bassey.
It was in 1897 when the last diamond jubilee was celebrated in Britain. Queen Victoria, the great-great grandmother of Queen Elizabeth II, was honoured by thousands of people in the capital city.
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