Among the highlights of the Queen‘s diamond jubilee celebrations this weekend was the grand river pageant on the river Thames. Over 1,000 gaily decorated private boats were present on the Thames, creating a seven-mile flotilla. The pre-event buzz and thousands of visitors flocked to the banks – including the Thames Embankment to view the spectacular event. The cost of the River Pageant said to run to approximately £12 million, plus £2 million in VAT. And although television historian David Starkey described the flotilla as “lunacy”, and warns that the queen may not favour exuberant celebrations, but it’s unlikely such criticism … Continue reading Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Royal Flotilla