 |
| Queen Mary 2 proudly
reveals a “Congratulations Ma’am” message in honor of Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. (Credit: Cunard) |
 |
| Cunard’s flagship Queen
Mary 2 sails past sister ships Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth during the fleet’s historic Royal Rendezvous in Southampton, England, on June 5, celebrating the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty The Queen. (Credit: Cunard) |
Well - yesterday showed us Brits up in our true colours - we had waited for this day, we had planned, we had made cakes, we had thought of everything - but then the weather had it's say.
There is a famous painting by Canelletto of a River Pageant on the Thames -
and the organisers used this as their idea.
It all started at Chelsea, where the Queen and Prince Phillip arrived to
board her special Royal Barge. They were greeted by crowds and the Chelsea Pensioners - these are
ex-servicemen and women who live at the nearby Chelsea Hospital (it was founded
in Charles 2 time and is still going strong).
The Queen joined other members of the immediate royal Family on the Barge - Prince Harry looked very smart - as did William - as for Kate, well what can you say. But take note - the Queen was wearing "white", so she could be seen by one and all - and Kate made sure she did not "upstage" her Mother in Law.
Then came the pageant with over 1,000
boats from man-powered boats, via the remaining boats that rescued our Army at
Dunkerque - not forgetting narrow boats that used to carry goods around our
canals before the trains took over - and ended with motor launches
There was so much to see - go to the BBC web site to see more - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18316899. But if I had to single out some of the high points they would include the
replica of the royal barge as shown in Canallettto's painting and the myriad of
other rowing boats, canoes, dragon boats, gondolas etc from all over the world.
Thousands of people lined the River Thames, cheering all the boats - and the
Queen. Many had camped overnight to get their special place. There was the usual
eccentric British celebrations - who else would think of wearing such outrageous
clothes to celebrate this day - who said us Brits are "straight laced."
Up till now the rain had kept away - but then, when the pageant was passing
by the Royal Barge the rain came down with a vengeance.
But did this put us Brits off - no
way.
People still celebrated. Look at the BBC site and the singers from the Royal College of Music - they
sang their hearts out all the way down the river (the orchestra was in a marquee
on the boat!). At the end of the pageant, with the rain pouring down they sang "Land of
hope and glory", "Rule Britannia" and "God save the Queen."
We were at family christening, we had a street party - we got wet - but so
what, it was a fantastic day - and there will be more to come!!
Love to all - please send us some sun - Brian and Mo
UPDATE:
UPDATE:
Mo and I have just been watching today's celebrations - the religious service - the grand carriage parade - and the way us Brits calmly filed down The Mall towards Buckingham Palace, with just a few policemen controlling the crowds made us proud to be Brits.
Where else could there have been thousands of people, standing in the rain and cold - and enjoying themselves in spite of the weather?
We were celebrating our Queen, whose 60 years of service is unsurpassed - and that is one of the many reasons why we hold her in such high regard.
No comments:
Post a Comment