Queen's Jubilee: Crowds Cheer 1,000-Ship Flotilla As Jubilee Pageant Begins

Thousands Cheer 1,000 Ship Flotilla As Jubilee Pageant Begins

The bells rang out today as the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh sped under Battersea Bridge to mark the start of the Diamond Jubilee River Pageant.

Despite the poor weather, thousands of people packed the river banks between Battersea and Albert Bridges to see the monarch pass by on the former Royal Yacht Britannia's tender.

Some people in the crowd had camped out since 2am to secure a prime spot to see the 1,000 strong flotilla.

The crowds whooped and cheered as the million-pound row barge Gloriana came through Battersea Bridge, led by Olympic gold medallists Sir Matthew Pinsent and Sir Steve Redgrave, rowing with 16 others.

The Australian rowers in distinctive yellow Australia Unlimited boats also drew huge cheers as they waved to revellers.

Among the man-powered vessels was a triple skiff rowed by TV adventurer Ben Fogle, Blue Peter presenter Helen Skelton and Atlantic rower Olly Hicks.

Other boats included a crew of cancer survivors and another manned by Maori warriors.

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