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Gallery: Queen Elizabeth's Jubilee

Britain's Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip leave from Chelsea Harbour in London on a launch on the first part of their journey in the Diamond Jubilee River Pageant Sunday June 3, 2012 . More than 1,000 boats will sail down the River Thames on Sunday in a flotilla tribute to Queen Elizabeth II's 60 years on the throne that organizers are calling the biggest pageant on the river for 350 years. (AP Photo/Eddie Mulholland, Pool)

June 03, 2012 @ 04:48 PM

LONDON — The River Thames became a royal highway Sunday, as Queen Elizabeth II led a motley but majestic flotilla of more than 1,000 vessels in a waterborne pageant to mark her Diamond Jubilee.

In a colorful salute to the island nation's maritime past, an armada of skiffs and sailboats, rowboats and paddle steamers joined a flower-festooned royal barge down a 7-mile (11-kilometer) stretch of London's river.

With a crowd of rain-soaked spectators estimated by organizers at 1.25 million cheering from the riverbanks, the pageant was the largest public event in four days of celebrations of the monarch's 60 years on the throne.

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Britain's Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip leave from Chelsea Harbour in London on a launch on the first part of their journey in the Diamond Jubilee River Pageant Sunday June 3, 2012 . More than 1,000 boats will sail down the River Thames on Sunday in a flotilla tribute to Queen Elizabeth II's 60 years on the throne that organizers are calling the biggest pageant on the river for 350 years. (AP Photo/Eddie Mulholland, Pool)

Britain's Queen Elizabeth smiles during the Diamond Jubilee River Pageant in London Sunday June 3, 2012. More than 1,000 boats will sail down the River Thames on Sunday in a flotilla tribute to Queen Elizabeth II's 60 years on the throne that organizers are calling the biggest pageant on the river for 350 years. (AP Photo/Dylan Martinez, Pool)

Sue Ridley waits on Westminster Bridge for the Royal Barge to pass the House of Commons and the Big Ben clocktower during the Thames Diamond Jubilee River Pageant in London, Sunday, June 3, 2012. More than 1,000 boats were to sail down the Thames on Sunday in a flotilla tribute to Queen Elizabeth II's 60 years on the throne that organizers are calling the biggest gathering on the river for 350 years. Despite cool, drizzly weather, hundreds of thousands of people are expected to line the riverbanks in London, feting the British monarch whose longevity has given her the status of the nation's favorite grandmother. (AP Photo/Tim Hales)

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Duchess of Cornwall join the Queen, unseen, on board the Spirit of Chartwell for the Diamond Jubilee Pageant on the River Thames in London Sunday June 3, 2012. On a luxury barge festooned with flowers, Queen Elizabeth II sailed down the River Thames Sunday amid a motley but majestic flotilla of 1,000 vessels, mustered to mark her 60 years on the British throne. The pageant was a nod to Britain's maritime heritage and one of the biggest events on the river for centuries. (AP Photo/ Stefan Rousseau, Pool)

People wave from the Millennium foot bridge as a flotilla of 1,000 vessels passes on the River Thames, during a river pageant to celebrate Britain's Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee in London, Sunday, June 3, 2012. An armada of vessels, from historic sailboats and barges to kayaks, lifeboats and military launches, took part in Sunday's river pageant to mark the queen's 60 years on the throne. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham-Pool)

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II waves as she travels on a launch boat to be taken to the royal barge, the principal boat of a flotilla of 1,000 vessels on the River Thames, during a river pageant to celebrate the queen's Diamond Jubilee in London, Sunday, June 3, 2012. An armada of vessels, from historic sailboats and barges to kayaks, lifeboats and military launches, took part in Sunday's river pageant to mark the queen's 60 years on the throne. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham-Pool)

In heavy rain, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, center, reviews a flotilla of 1,000 vessels passing her barge, flanked by Kate Duchess of Cambridge, second right, Prince William, second left, and Prince Harry, left, on the River Thames, during a river pageant to celebrate the queen's Diamond Jubilee in London, Sunday, June 3, 2012. An armada of vessels, from historic sailboats and barges to kayaks, lifeboats and military launches, took part in Sunday's river pageant to mark the queen's 60 years on the throne. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham-Pool)

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip watch the proceedings from the royal barge during the Diamond Jubilee Pageant on the River Thames in London Sunday June 3, 2012. More than 1,000 boats will sail down the River Thames on Sunday in a flotilla tribute to Queen Elizabeth II's 60 years on the throne that organizers are calling the biggest pageant on the river for 350 years. (AP Photo/John Stillwell, Pool)

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip watch the proceedings from the royal barge during the Diamond Jubilee Pageant on the River Thames in London Sunday June 3, 2012. More than 1,000 boats will sail down the River Thames on Sunday in a flotilla tribute to Queen Elizabeth II's 60 years on the throne that organizers are calling the biggest pageant on the river for 350 years. (AP Photo/John Stillwell, Pool)

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip watch the proceedings from the royal barge during the Diamond Jubilee Pageant on the River Thames in London Sunday June 3, 2012. More than 1,000 boats will sail down the River Thames on Sunday in a flotilla tribute to Queen Elizabeth II's 60 years on the throne that organizers are calling the biggest pageant on the river for 350 years. (AP Photo/John Stillwell, Pool)

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, and Camilla Duchess of Cornwall speak while on the royal barge during the Diamond Jubilee Pageant on the River Thames in London Sunday June 3, 2012. More than 1,000 boats will sail down the River Thames on Sunday in a flotilla tribute to Queen Elizabeth II's 60 years on the throne that organizers are calling the biggest pageant on the river for 350 years. (AP Photo/John Stillwell, Pool)

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, centre left, and Prince Philip, centre right, with other members of the Royal family watch the proceedings from onboard the royal barge during the Diamond Jubilee Pageant on the River Thames in London Sunday June 3, 2012. More than 1,000 boats will sail down the River Thames on Sunday in a flotilla tribute to Queen Elizabeth II's 60 years on the throne that organizers are calling the biggest pageant on the river for 350 years. The London landmark Big Ben is seen in background right.(AP Photo/John Stillwell, Pool)

Anti-monarchy protesters gather close to the river Thames in central London to voice their protest, where a 1,000-boat flotilla joins Queen Elizabeth II in a pageant along the river Thames as part of the four-day Diamond Jubilee celebration marking the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's accession to the throne, on Sunday, June 3, 2012.(AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)

Anti-monarchy protesters gather close to the river Thames to voice their protest in central London, where a 1,000-boat flotilla joins Queen Elizabeth II in a pageant along the river Thames as part of the four-day Diamond Jubilee celebration marking the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's accession to the throne, on Sunday, June 3, 2012. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)

Britain's Kate Duchess of Cambridge, 2nd left, stands next to Prince Harry, left Prince William, 3rd left, and Queen Elizabeth as they watch the proceeding onboard the Royal barge during the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Pageant on the River Thames in London Sunday June 3, 2012. More than 1,000 boats will sail down the River Thames on Sunday in a flotilla tribute to Queen Elizabeth II's 60 years on the throne that organizers are calling the biggest pageant on the river for 350 years. (AP Photo/Dylan Martinez, Pool)

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, left, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, stand together aboard the royal barge 'Spirit of Chartwell' during the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant on the River Thames in London, Sunday June 3, 2012. (AP Photo/Adrian Dennis)

Britain's Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, waves as she leaves the Royal Barge during the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Pageant on the River Thames in London Sunday June 3, 2012. More than 1,000 boats will sail down the River Thames on Sunday in a flotilla tribute to Queen Elizabeth II's 60 years on the throne that organizers are calling the biggest pageant on the river for 350 years. (AP Photo/Dylan Martinez, Pool)

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, waves from the royal barge during the Diamond Jubilee Pageant on the River Thames in London Sunday June 3, 2012. More than 1,000 boats will sail down the River Thames on Sunday in a flotilla tribute to Queen Elizabeth II's 60 years on the throne that organizers are calling the biggest pageant on the river for 350 years. (AP Photo/John Stillwell, Pool)

People dance at the Piccadilly Jubilee street party in London Sunday June 3, 2012 to mark Queen Elizabeth II's 60 years on the British throne.(AP Photo/Elizabeth Dalziel)

Britain's Kate, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William prepare to board the royal barge to join the Queen for the Diamond Jubilee Pageant on the River Thames in London Sunday June 3, 2012. More than 1,000 boats will sail down the River Thames on Sunday in a flotilla tribute to Queen Elizabeth II's 60 years on the throne that organizers are calling the biggest pageant on the river for 350 years. (AP Photo/John Stillwell, Pool)

The Gloriana is seen leading the flotilla during the Thames Diamond Jubilee River Pageant in London, Sunday, June 3, 2012. More than 1,000 boats were to sail down the Thames on Sunday in a flotilla tribute to Queen Elizabeth II's 60 years on the throne that organizers are calling the biggest gathering on the river for 350 years. Despite cool, drizzly weather, hundreds of thousands of people are expected to line the riverbanks in London, feting the British monarch whose longevity has given her the status of the nation's favorite grandmother. (AP Photo/Tim Hales)

Britain's Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall arrive at Chelsea Pier to prepare to board the royal barge and join the Queen for the Diamond Jubilee Pageant on the River Thames in London Sunday June 3, 2012. More than 1,000 boats will sail down the River Thames on Sunday in a flotilla tribute to Queen Elizabeth II's 60 years on the throne that organizers are calling the biggest pageant on the river for 350 years. (AP Photo/Bethany Clarke, Pool)

Britain's Kate, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William prepare to board the royal barge to join the Queen for the Diamond Jubilee Pageant on the River Thames in London Sunday June 3, 2012. More than 1,000 boats will sail down the River Thames on Sunday in a flotilla tribute to Queen Elizabeth II's 60 years on the throne that organizers are calling the biggest pageant on the river for 350 years. (AP Photo/Stefan Rousseau/Pool)

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, right, arrives at Chelsea Pier in London, before boarding the royal barge to participate in the Diamond Jubilee River Pageant Sunday June 3, 2012. More than 1,000 boats will sail down the River Thames on Sunday in a flotilla tribute to Queen Elizabeth II's 60 years on the throne that organizers are calling the biggest pageant on the river for 350 years. (AP Photo/Bethany Clarke, Pool )

Britain's Princesses Beatrice, right, and Eugenie wave from a barge in a flotilla of 1,000 vessels, on the River Thames, during a river pageant to celebrate Britain's Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee in London, Sunday, June 3, 2012. An armada of vessels, from historic sailboats and barges to kayaks, lifeboats and military launches, took part in Sunday's river pageant to mark the queen's 60 years on the throne. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham-Pool)

People wait on Tower Bridge as thousands gather along the river Thames in London waiting for Britain's Queen Elizabeth II flotilla of boats to sail pass in a river pageant as part of a four-day Diamond Jubilee celebration to mark the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II accession to the throne, Sunday, June 3, 2012. (AP Photo/Sang Tan)

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, attend the 'Big Jubilee Lunch' in Piccadilly ahead of the Diamond Jubilee River Pageant Sunday June 3, 2012 in London, England. For only the second time in its history the UK celebrates the Diamond Jubilee of a monarch. 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. (AP Photo /Chris Jackson, Pool)

Member of the public seen by the river Thames in central London, prepares to watch a 1,000-boat flotilla part of the four-day Diamond Jubilee celebration to mark the 60th anniversary of the Queen Elizabeth's accession to the throne, Sunday, June 3, 2012. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)

Boats carry commonwealth flags as they sail in a flotilla down the river Thames in London in a river pageant as part of a four-day Diamond Jubilee celebration to mark the 60th anniversary of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II accession to the throne, Sunday, June 3, 2012. (AP Photo/Sang Tan)

People lining the river bank wave British Union flags as Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and other members of the British royal, embark on the royal barge, the principal vessel at the head of a flotilla of 1,000 vessels on the River Thames, during a river pageant to celebrate the queen's Diamond Jubilee in London, Sunday, June 3, 2012. An armada of vessels, from historic sailboats and barges to kayaks, lifeboats and military launches, took part in Sunday's river pageant to mark the queen's 60 years on the throne. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham-Pool)

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II waves to onlookers as she returns to her vehicle during the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in London Sunday June 3, 2012. Queen Elizabeth joined a spectacular armada of 1,000 vessels on Sunday for the most dazzling display of British pageantry seen on London's River Thames for many years, watched by cheering crowds celebrating her 60th year on the throne. (AP Photo/Toby Melville)

Kate Duchess of Cornwall stands on the royal barge, the principal boat of a flotilla of 1,000 vessels, on the River Thames, during a river pageant to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee in London, Sunday, June 3, 2012. An armada of vessels, from historic sailboats and barges to kayaks, lifeboats and military launches, took part in Sunday's river pageant to mark the queen's 60 years on the throne. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham-Pool)

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, 2nd left. Prince Philip, left, Camilla Duchess of Cornwall, 2nd right, and Kate Duchess of Cambridge watch the proceedings from the royal barge during the Diamond Jubilee Pageant on the River Thames in London Sunday June 3, 2012. More than 1,000 boats will sail down the River Thames on Sunday in a flotilla tribute to Queen Elizabeth II's 60 years on the throne that organizers are calling the biggest pageant on the river for 350 years. (AP Photo/John Stillwell, Pool)

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, right, and Kate Duchess of Cornwall, left, stand on the royal barge, the principal boat of a flotilla of 1,000 vessels, on the River Thames, during a river pageant to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in London, Sunday, June 3, 2012. An armada of vessels, from historic sailboats and barges to kayaks, lifeboats and military launches, took part in Sunday's river pageant to mark the queen's 60 years on the throne. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham-Pool)

People crowd onto balconies overlooking the river to watch the flotilla sail down the river Thames in London in a river pageant as part of a four-day Diamond Jubilee celebration to mark the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II accession to the throne, Sunday, June 3, 2012. (AP Photo/Sang Tan)

People wave flags as they watch the barge carrying Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and other members of the royal family sailing past in the river Thames, part of a 1,000-boat flotilla marking a four-day Diamond Jubilee celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne, Sunday, June 3, 2012. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)

Hundreds of boats make their way down the River Thames past for British Royal Navy cruiser HMS Belfast towards Tower Bridge as they take part in the Thames River Pageant for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations in London,Sunday, June 3, 2012. More than 1,000 boats were to sail down the Thames on Sunday in a flotilla tribute to Queen Elizabeth II's 60 years on the throne that organizers are calling the biggest gathering on the river for 350 years. Despite cool, drizzly weather, hundreds of thousands of people are expected to line the riverbanks in London, feting the British monarch whose longevity has given her the status of the nation's favourite grandmother. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

A young girl has problems with an umbrella as spectators watch through the driving rain as hundreds of boats make their way down the River Thames as they take part in the Thames River Pageant for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations in London,Sunday, June 3, 2012. More than 1,000 boats were to sail down the Thames on Sunday in a flotilla tribute to Queen Elizabeth II's 60 years on the throne that organizers are calling the biggest gathering on the river for 350 years. Despite cool, drizzly weather, hundreds of thousands of people are expected to line the riverbanks in London, feting the British monarch whose longevity has given her the status of the nation's favourite grandmother. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

Britain's Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, right, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, centre, and Queen Elizabeth, look at the proceedings on the royal barge, the principal boat of a flotilla of 1,000 vessels, during a river pageant to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in London, Sunday, June 3, 2012. An armada of vessels, from historic sailboats and barges to kayaks, lifeboats and military launches, took part in Sunday's river pageant to mark the queen's 60 years on the throne. (AP Photo/David Crump, Pool)