More than a million spectators flock to Diamond Jubilee River Pageant

MORE than a million spectators braved cold and wet conditions to see the once-in-a-lifetime spectacle of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee flotilla.

The record-breaking pageant sailed through the heart of London where jubilant crowds gathered to acknowledge the Queen’s 60-year reign and celebrate the country’s maritime heritage.

The number of revellers passed the expectations of organisers, who said an estimated 1.25 million people lined the banks of the Thames.

And a record-breaking 670 boats of all shapes and sizes took part in the flotilla.

At the heart of the celebration was the Queen’s Royal Barge where she was joined by the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince of Wales, Duchess of Cornwall, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry.

Around them were other members of the Royal Family on various vessels and hundreds of tugs, narrowboats, pleasure cruisers, historic vessels and music barges.

When the Royal Barge had moored the review of the flotilla began and the Queen watched it pass by, acknowledging the waves of all the crews.

Tonight pop music legends were to perform in honour of the Queen at a Diamond Jubilee concert in front of Buckingham Palace. Singing sensation Stevie Wonder was to be among the all-star list of artists performing on the night, including Sir Paul McCartney, JLS, Sir Elton John and Kylie Minogue.

At the end of the show, the Queen was due to light one of the last of around 4,500 beacons across the globe – in celebration of her 60-year reign.