Queen leads Diamond Jubilee River Pageant

Queen Elizabeth II and Duke of Edinburgh onboard the Spirit of Chartwell during the Diamond Jubilee Pageant. Credit: PA

The Queen's royal barge drew crowds as it took part in the river pageant, snaking its way through the heart of London, as thousands braved the rain to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee.

The Spirit of Chartwell barge was at the front of a 1,000-strong flotilla.

The Duchess of Cambridge was on board the Spirit of Chartwell. She arrived for the River Pageant with the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry.

The Gloriana, the £1 million row barge, leads the manpowered section of the Diamond Jubilee River Pageant along the River Thames. Credit: ITN

All manner of boats, including steam boats, lifeboats, narrow boats, row boats and Dunkirk Little Ships took part in the River Pageant.

The Diamond Jubilee flotilla is 1,000 boats strong Credit: PA

The Diamond Jubilee pageant set a world record for the number of boats taking part in a parade.

By around 5pm, 419 boats had reached Tower Bridge in London, easily surpassing the previous record of 327 boats in Bremerhaven, Germany, last year.

In total 1,000 vessels completed the pageant, thereby increasing the record significantly.

The Queen led the flotilla aboard the Spirit of Chartwell royal barge Credit: PA

The Queen was on the Spirit of Chartwell which was the star attraction of the pageant. It travelled along the Thames from Battersea to Tower Bridge, as cheering crowds lined the river banks.