The Thames Pageant

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Arrived in London at an opportune time and joined in the celebrations for the Queen’s Jubilee. With trepidation regarding the weather which ranged from wet to torrential rain and cold, we set off to watch the flotilla which would be loosely based on the Caneletto painting. Fortunately Victoria’s friends had arrived early and had staked a claim with a very large Union Jack blanket directly opposite the Royal barge.

Once there we had to stay put as the crowds built up very quickly. Soon it was time for the Royals to appear and we realised that we had a great viewing spot with photos of the Kate and the Queen who seemingly were looking directly at and smiling at Todd while he took their photograph. Fortified with a thermos of tea and the good humour of the English, including regular renditions of God Save the Queen by the crowd the afternoon passed quickly. This was just as well as it was grey and rain threatened. As we left Battersea Park to wend our way home with thousands of others, the first Ólympic’ trial of public transport was underway and at various points could best be described as a learning experience and at worst a dismal failure. However the underground has many good points and one of them is that if the station that you want is overcrowded to the point of a standstill there is usually another one to take up the challenge within a brisk and by this time very wet walk.

A great day and a unique experience.

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Photos

The Queen
The Queen arrives

London Celebrates
The decorations for the Queens Jubilee'have transformed the streets in London

Pimms
The only way to celebrate in England is with a Pimms

Comments

[Christine]

MUCH WARMER IN MY LOUNGE ROOM
Hi Vicki and Kevin I really enjoyed watching - scanned the crowd but could not see you! Did you brave the concert? Sure the weather will be much brighter for London's bid day of the year - 7 July! Chris xx

[Sue]

The Thames Pagent
Wow what a well positioned location you had!!! Loved the view from my warm home, albeit not being part of the pagentry and history Have been searching for you @ all the events to no avail as yet...../you need to make a bigger splash guys! There is no update re your visit to Ascot as of today (30/6/12????)Hope Kevin had a successful day @ the races. BC certainly had millions of hearst in mouths for the last 5 metres!!! Hope everyone has a spectacular day next Saturday. Will toast Victoria in Todd in cold Canberra. Sue

[Vic and Kev]

Royal Ascot
I haven't done an update for it yet. Great day - rained a bit - good atmosphere. Have posted a wedding account Home soon - fly out tonight and in Singapore for 3 nights.