3-086-571 - Ware in the World/Heritage Images

River pageant celebrating the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, 1953. A 3-mile flotilla on the River Thames, the City of London's 'tribute to the Queen'. Crowds lined the route from Greenwich to Westminster despite the torrential rain - here they watch from the Tower of London. Officials taking part included Rupert De la Bère, Lord Mayor of London, and the Lady Mayoress, on board the launch 'Queen Boadicea'. On other boats: Thames watermen and lightermen, and members of the twelve livery companies of the City of London. On the left is the 'Ford Consul' - bearing the initials 'ER' (standing for Elizabeth Regina) - carrying trumpeters from the Royal School of Music sounding the fanfare.