Spectators are eagerly awaiting the start of the Diamond Jubilee's most dramatic spectacle - the 1,000- strong flotilla in honour of the Queen.

Despite cold and wet conditions the capital filled steadily as the countdown has begun to the water-borne extravaganza that will carry the Queen through London at the heart of the procession.

Organisers have remained upbeat about the day ahead, as have members of the public who have been flocking to the Thames armed with umbrellas and raincoats.

jubilee

Boats line up on the Thames to take part in the flotilla

The Prince of Wales is patron of the pageant that will be launched later this afternoon following two years of trials, rehearsals and planning.

Charles and his wife Camilla ventured out into the rain earlier to join a Big Jubilee Lunch street party in London's Piccadilly.

The prince, wearing his trademark double breasted suit, and Camilla, dressed in a raincoat, stopped to chat to revellers in the street and even sat down with them.

London Mayor Boris Johnson was upbeat from Putney Pier, declaring the rain had passed as he geed-up the crowds around him.

"I want you to know the rain has stopped, hasn't it?" the politician said, turning to a crowd behind him while being interviewed by BBC News.

He added: "It's going to be a fantastic day, I've no doubt about that at all.

"We're are looking forward very much here in Putney to the kick-off, which I think is in a couple of hours time, but already the crowds are enormous here."

Spectators are enjoying some respite from the rain which has stopped in most places but forecasters have predicted sunshine and showers during the afternoon.

During the week, hundreds of ships travelled up the Thames and have now mustered south of Battersea Bridge as crowds gather along the banks of the river.

Decorations for the Royal Barge were completed in the last few days with ornate replica carvings fitted to the vessel and huge floral decorations.

It will carry the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh, Charles and Camilla, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry at the heart of the flotilla.

Pageant Master Adrian Evans said: "Key highlights for me are the royal barge and how people will see that for the first time and certainly how the Queen and the Royal Family see it."

Evans was not concerned about the rain that had fallen on much of the seven-mile long course of the flotilla.

He said: "There is some rain around, but it has not dampened any spirits.

"We in Britain are experts at not letting the weather spoil our fun. The London Philharmonic Orchestra will be playing Singing In The Rain as they travel down the river, and the crowd can sing along with them.

"We are all set to have one of the most spectacular pieces of river theatre that London, and the world, has ever seen. Excitement is building, and everything is ready."

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  • Small boats participate in the Diamond Jubilee River Pageant on June 3, 2012 in London, England. For only the second time in its history the UK celebrates the Diamond Jubilee of a monarch. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II celebrates the 60th anniversary of her ascension to the throne. Thousands of well-wishers from around the world have flocked to London to witness the spectacle of the weekend's celebrations. The Queen along with all members of the royal family will participate in a River Pageant with a flotilla of a 1,000 boats accompanying them down The Thames. (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images)

  • Paddle boats participate in Thames Diamond Jubilee River Pageant on June 3, 2012 in London, England. For only the second time in its history the UK celebrates the Diamond Jubilee of a monarch. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II celebrates the 60th anniversary of her ascension to the throne. Thousands of well-wishers from around the world have flocked to London to witness the spectacle of the weekend's celebrations. The Queen along with all members of the royal family will participate in a River Pageant with a flotilla of a 1,000 boats accompanying them down The Thames. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images)

  • Queen Elizabeth smiles during a pageant commemorating her Diamond Jubilee in London. Picture date: Sunday June 3, 2012. See PA story ROYAL Jubilee. Photo credit should read: Dylan Martinez/PA Wire

  • Fireworks are fired from Tower Bridge, London, marking the end of the Diamond Jubilee River Pageant. Picture date: Sunday June 3, 2012. See PA story ROYAL Jubilee. Photo credit should read: Peter Macdiarmid/PA Wire

  • The Queen's launch makes its way down the river on June 3, 2012 in London, England. For only the second time in its history the UK celebrates the Diamond Jubilee of a monarch. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II celebrates the 60th anniversary of her ascension to the throne. Thousands of well-wishers from around the world have flocked to London to witness the spectacle of the weekend's celebrations. The Queen along with all members of the royal family will participate in a River Pageant with a flotilla of a 1,000 boats accompanying them down The Thames. (Photo by Harry Engels/Getty Images)

  • The Queen's launch makes its way down the river on June 3, 2012 in London, England. For only the second time in its history the UK celebrates the Diamond Jubilee of a monarch. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II celebrates the 60th anniversary of her ascension to the throne. Thousands of well-wishers from around the world have flocked to London to witness the spectacle of the weekend's celebrations. The Queen along with all members of the royal family will participate in a River Pageant with a flotilla of a 1,000 boats accompanying them down The Thames. (Photo by Harry Engels/Getty Images)

  • Queen Elizabeth II is greeted by Chelsea pensioners at Chelsea Pier on June 3, 2012 in London, England. For only the second time in its history the UK celebrates the Diamond Jubilee of a monarch. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II celebrates the 60th anniversary of her ascension to the throne. Thousands of well-wishers from around the world have flocked to London to witness the spectacle of the weekend's celebrations. The Queen along with all members of the royal family will participate in a River Pageant with a flotilla of a 1,000 boats accompanying them down The Thames, the star studded free concert at Buckingham Palace, and a carriage procession and a service of thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral. (Photo by Bethany Clarke - WPA Pool /Getty Images)

  • Atmosphere The Queen's Diamond Jubilee River Pageant Flotilla London, England - 03.06.12 Mandatory Credit: WENN.com

  • Queen Elizabeth II is greeted by Chelsea pensioners at Chelsea Pier on June 3, 2012 in London, England. For only the second time in its history the UK celebrates the Diamond Jubilee of a monarch. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II celebrates the 60th anniversary of her ascension to the throne. Thousands of well-wishers from around the world have flocked to London to witness the spectacle of the weekend's celebrations. The Queen along with all members of the royal family will participate in a River Pageant with a flotilla of a 1,000 boats accompanying them down The Thames, the star studded free concert at Buckingham Palace, and a carriage procession and a service of thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral. (Photo by Bethany Clarke - WPA Pool /Getty Images)

  • Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, aka Kate Middleton The Queen's Diamond Jubilee River Pageant Flotilla London, England - 03.06.12 Mandatory Credit: WENN.com

  • Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh arrive at Chelsea Pier on June 3, 2012 in London, England. For only the second time in its history the UK celebrates the Diamond Jubilee of a monarch. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II celebrates the 60th anniversary of her ascension to the throne. Thousands of well-wishers from around the world have flocked to London to witness the spectacle of the weekend's celebrations. The Queen along with all members of the royal family will participate in a River Pageant with a flotilla of a 1,000 boats accompanying them down The Thames, the star studded free concert at Buckingham Palace, and a carriage procession and a service of thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral. (Photo by Bethany Clarke - WPA Pool /Getty Images)

  • The man powered boats make their way down the river on June 3, 2012 in London, England. For only the second time in its history the UK celebrates the Diamond Jubilee of a monarch. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II celebrates the 60th anniversary of her ascension to the throne. Thousands of well-wishers from around the world have flocked to London to witness the spectacle of the weekend's celebrations. The Queen along with all members of the royal family will participate in a River Pageant with a flotilla of a 1,000 boats accompanying them down The Thames. (Photo by Harry Engels/Getty Images)

  • Atmosphere The Queen's Diamond Jubilee River Pageant Flotilla London, England - 03.06.12 Mandatory Credit: WENN.com

  • The man powered boats make their way down the river on June 3, 2012 in London, England. For only the second time in its history the UK celebrates the Diamond Jubilee of a monarch. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II celebrates the 60th anniversary of her ascension to the throne. Thousands of well-wishers from around the world have flocked to London to witness the spectacle of the weekend's celebrations. The Queen along with all members of the royal family will participate in a River Pageant with a flotilla of a 1,000 boats accompanying them down The Thames. (Photo by Harry Engels/Getty Images)

  • The Prince of Wales attends the 'Big Jubilee Lunch' in Piccadilly, London, ahead of the Diamond Jubilee River Pageant. Picture date: Sunday June 3, 2012. See PA story ROYAL Jubilee. Photo credit should read: Chris Jackson/PA Wire

  • The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall attend the 'Big Jubilee Lunch' in Piccadilly, London, ahead of the Diamond Jubilee River Pageant. Picture date: Sunday June 3, 2012. See PA story ROYAL Jubilee. Photo credit should read: Chris Jackson/PA Wire

  • The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall attend the 'Big Jubilee Lunch' in Piccadilly, London, ahead of the Diamond Jubilee River Pageant. Picture date: Sunday June 3, 2012. See PA story ROYAL Jubilee. Photo credit should read: Chris Jackson/PA Wire

  • Previously unreleased photo of the ivory dress and coat, in white Boucle fabric and threaded throughout with silk ribbon, designed by Miss Angela Kelly MVO, which Queen Elizabeth II has worn for the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant. Picture date: Thursday May 31, 2012. The Bouclé has been embroidered with gold, silver and ivory spots and embellished with Swarovski crystals to reflect the River Thames. The outfit is finished with a silk organza frill. The Queen's hat has a swept up brim, the crown of which is made of the same material as the coat and details include feathers hand dyed in Buckingham Palace by one of Angela Kelly's team. More silk organza and Swarovski crystals have been used to decorate this uniquely shaped hat. See PA story ROYAL Jubilee Dress. Photo credit should read: Lewis Whyld/PA Wire

  • The Duchess of Cornwall attends the 'Big Jubilee Lunch' in Piccadilly, London, ahead of the Diamond Jubilee River Pageant. Picture date: Sunday June 3, 2012. See PA story ROYAL Jubilee. Photo credit should read: Chris Jackson/PA Wire

  • The Duchess of Cornwall attends the 'Big Jubilee Lunch' in Piccadilly, London, ahead of the Diamond Jubilee River Pageant. Picture date: Sunday June 3, 2012. See PA story ROYAL Jubilee. Photo credit should read: Chris Jackson/PA Wire

  • The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall attend the 'Big Jubilee Lunch' in Piccadilly, London, ahead of the Diamond Jubilee River Pageant. Picture date: Sunday June 3, 2012. See PA story ROYAL Jubilee. Photo credit should read: Chris Jackson/PA Wire

  • The Duchess of Cornwall attends the 'Big Jubilee Lunch' in Piccadilly, London, ahead of the Diamond Jubilee River Pageant. Picture date: Sunday June 3, 2012. See PA story ROYAL Jubilee. Photo credit should read: Chris Jackson/PA Wire

  • A crewman aboard the boat 'Havengore' stands waiting for the royal party at the start of the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant on the River Thames in London on June 3, 2012. Queen Elizabeth II was to sail on a ceremonial barge down the Thames on Sunday at the centre of a 1,000-boat pageant to mark her diamond jubilee, although heavy rain threatened to spoil the party. AFP PHOTO / POOL / LEON NEAL (Photo credit should read LEON NEAL/AFP/GettyImages)

  • A couple with their eyes painted with Britain's Union flag pose for pictures beside the River Thames in London, on June 3, 2012, as Britain celebrates the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. Queen Elizabeth II was to sail on a ceremonial barge down the Thames on Sunday at the centre of a 1,000-boat pageant to mark her diamond jubilee, although heavy rain threatened to spoil the party. AFP PHOTO / CARL COURT (Photo credit should read CARL COURT/AFP/GettyImages)

  • Royal supporters gather beside the River Thames in London, on June 3, 2012, as Britain celebrates the Queen's Diamond Jubilee River Pageant. Queen Elizabeth II was to sail on a ceremonial barge down the Thames on Sunday at the centre of a 1,000-boat pageant to mark her diamond jubilee, although heavy rain threatened to spoil the party. AFP PHOTO / CARL COURT (Photo credit should read CARL COURT/AFP/GettyImages)

  • Boats heads up the River Thames, London, ahead of the start of the Diamond Jubilee river pageant (Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)

  • Revellers queue to enter a Jubilee Party in Battersea Park on June 3, 2012 in London, England. For only the second time in its history the UK celebrates the Diamond Jubilee of a monarch. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II celebrates the 60th anniversary of her ascension to the throne. Thousands of well-wishers from around the world have flocked to London to witness the spectacle of the weekend's celebrations. The Queen along with all members of the royal family will participate in a River Pageant with a flotilla of a 1,000 boats accompanying them down The Thames. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

  • Jubilee revellers cross Chelsea Bridge ahead of the Diamond Jubilee River Pageant on June 3, 2012 in London, England. For only the second time in its history the UK celebrates the Diamond Jubilee of a monarch. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II celebrates the 60th anniversary of her ascension to the throne. Thousands of well-wishers from around the world have flocked to London to witness the spectacle of the weekend's celebrations. The Queen along with all members of the royal family will participate in a River Pageant with a flotilla of a 1,000 boats accompanying them down The Thames. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

  • People carrying umbrellas queue to enter Battersea Park festival on the route of the jubilee river pageant on June 3, 2012 in London. Britain's Queen Elizabeth II will sail on a royal barge down the River Thames as part of a huge pageant marking her diamond jubilee, in one of the biggest events of its kind in London's history. AFP PHOTO / JOHN MACDOUGALL (Photo credit should read JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP/GettyImages)

  • A canal boat heads up the River Thames, London, ahead of the start of the Diamond Jubilee river pageant (Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)

  • Crowds brave the rain on the banks of the River Thames, near Tower Bridge in London, ahead of the start of the Diamond Jubilee river pageant (Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)

  • Members of the public wear royal masks near Tower Bridge during the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant on the River Thames in London on June 3 2012, where 1,000 vessels of all shapes and sizes will be part of the Diamond Jubilee river Pageant. Britain is celebrating the diamond jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, marking 60 years on the throne during which she has set a number of landmarks. AFP PHOTO / IAN KINGTON (Photo credit should read IAN KINGTON/AFP/GettyImages)

  • Organisers start to dress the shops prior to the Jubilee street party in Marple Bridge, Stockport in Manchester on June 3, 2012. Britain kicks off four days of celebrations to mark Queen Elizabeth II's diamond jubilee, including a 1,000-boat river pageant and a star-studded concert. Britons nationwide will get out the bunting and hold street parties, sitting down to share lunch with their neighbours, reminiscent of the silver jubilee in 1977, when around 10 million people joined in the merriment. AFP PHOTO / ANDREW YATES (Photo credit should read ANDREW YATES/AFP/GettyImages)

  • Organisers start to dress the shops prior to the Jubilee street party in Marple Bridge, Stockport in Manchester on June 3, 2012. Britain kicks off four days of celebrations to mark Queen Elizabeth II's diamond jubilee, including a 1,000-boat river pageant and a star-studded concert. Britons nationwide will get out the bunting and hold street parties, sitting down to share lunch with their neighbours, reminiscent of the silver jubilee in 1977, when around 10 million people joined in the merriment. AFP PHOTO / ANDREW YATES (Photo credit should read ANDREW YATES/AFP/GettyImages)

  • A woman wearing an crown with the Britain's Union flags smiles while queueing up to enter Battersea Park before the start of the Battersee Park festival on the route of the jubilee river pageant on June 3, 2012 in London. Britain's Queen Elizabeth II sails on a royal barge down the River Thames as part of a huge pageant marking her diamond jubilee, in one of the biggest events of its kind in London's history. AFP PHOTO / JOHN MACDOUGALL (Photo credit should read JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP/GettyImages)

  • Kibworth residents in Leicestershire use gazebos to cover tables from the rain before a street party, during the Diamond Jubilee celebrations (Rui Vieira/PA Wire)

  • Crowds gather on Westminster Bridge, London, ahead of the start of the Diamond Jubilee river pageant (Max Nash/PA Wire)

  • Revellers arrive to wait along the Thames river at the Southbank for the Jubilee celebrations, in London, on June 3, 2012, where 1,000 vessels of all shapes and sizes will be part of the Diamond Jubilee river Pageant. Britain is celebrating the diamond jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, marking 60 years on the throne during which she has set a number of landmarks. AFP PHOTO/BEN STANSALL (Photo credit should read BEN STANSALL/AFP/GettyImages)

  • A royalist supporter wears a suit displaying the colours of the British Union flag as he walks beside the River Thames in London, on June 3, 2012, as Britain celebrates the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. Queen Elizabeth II was to sail on a ceremonial barge down the Thames on Sunday at the centre of a 1,000-boat pageant to mark her diamond jubilee, although heavy rain threatened to spoil the party. AFP PHOTO / BEN STANSALL (Photo credit should read BEN STANSALL/AFP/GettyImages)

  • Royal revellers wait in the rain on the south bank of the River Thames, London, for the start of the Diamond Jubilee river pageant. Picture date: Sunday June 3, 2012 (Lewis Whyld/PA Wire)

  • Visitors attending the Battersee Park festival wear masks featuring a likeness of (L-R) Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Prince William and Britain's Queen Elizabeth II on the route of the jubilee river pageant on June 3, 2012 in London. Britain's Queen Elizabeth II sails on a royal barge down the River Thames as part of a huge pageant marking her diamond jubilee, in one of the biggest events of its kind in London's history. AFP PHOTO / JOHN MACDOUGALL (Photo credit should read JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP/GettyImages)

  • Royalist supporters pose for pictures with Britain's Union flag wellington boots as they gather along the River Thames in London, on June 3, 2012, as Britain celebrates the Queen's Diamond Jubilee River Pageant. Queen Elizabeth II was to sail on a ceremonial barge down the Thames on Sunday at the centre of a 1,000-boat pageant to mark her diamond jubilee, although heavy rain threatened to spoil the party. AFP PHOTO / CARL COURT (Photo credit should read CARL COURT/AFP/GettyImages)

  • Spectators await the Royal Jubilee river Pageant near Tower Bridge in London, on June 3, 2012, where 1,000 vessels of all shapes and sizes will be part of the Diamond Jubilee river Pageant. Britain is celebrating the diamond jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, marking 60 years on the throne during which she has set a number of landmarks. AFP PHOTO/ IAN KINGTON (Photo credit should read IAN KINGTON/AFP/GettyImages)

  • Royalist supporters gather along the River Thames in London, on June 3, 2012, to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee River Pageant. Queen Elizabeth II was to sail on a ceremonial barge down the Thames on Sunday at the centre of a 1,000-boat pageant to mark her diamond jubilee, although heavy rain threatened to spoil the party. AFP PHOTO / MIGUEL MEDINA (Photo credit should read MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP/GettyImages)

  • Crowds of revellers gather during the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant on the River Thames in London on June 3, 2012, as Britain celebrates the Queen's Diamond Jubilee River Pageant. Queen Elizabeth II is to sail on a ceremonial barge down the Thames at the centre of a 1,000-boat pageant to mark her diamond jubilee, although heavy rain threatened to spoil the party. AFP PHOTO/MIGUEL MEDINA (Photo credit should read MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP/GettyImages)

  • Crowds of revellers gather during the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant on the River Thames in London on June 3, 2012, as Britain celebrates the Queen's Diamond Jubilee River Pageant. Queen Elizabeth II is to sail on a ceremonial barge down the Thames at the centre of a 1,000-boat pageant to mark her diamond jubilee, although heavy rain threatened to spoil the party. AFP PHOTO/MIGUEL MEDINA (Photo credit should read MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP/GettyImages)

  • Crowds of revellers gather near Tower Bridge during the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant on the River Thames in London on June 3, 2012, as Britain celebrates the Queen's Diamond Jubilee River Pageant. Queen Elizabeth II is to sail on a ceremonial barge down the Thames at the centre of a 1,000-boat pageant to mark her diamond jubilee, although heavy rain threatened to spoil the party. AFP PHOTO/MIGUEL MEDINA (Photo credit should read MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP/GettyImages)

  • Crowds gather on Tower Bridge and along the bank of the River Thames in London, ahead of the start of the Diamond Jubilee river pageant. Picture date: Sunday June 3, 2012. See PA story ROYAL Jubilee Pageant. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire

  • Rowing boats begin to gather on the River Thames, London near Hammersmith Bridge, during the Diamond Jubilee river pageant. Picture date: Sunday June 3, 2012. See PA story ROYAL Jubilee. Photo credit should read: Anthony Devlin/PA Wire

  • A man wearing a Union Jack waistcoat onboard a rowing boat as they begin to gather on the River Thames, London, during the Diamond Jubilee river pageant. Picture date: Sunday June 3, 2012. See PA story ROYAL Jubilee. Photo credit should read: Anthony Devlin/PA Wire

  • Rowing boats begin to gather on the River Thames, London, during the Diamond Jubilee river pageant. Picture date: Sunday June 3, 2012. See PA story ROYAL Jubilee. Photo credit should read: Anthony Devlin/PA Wire