Crowds defy rain to salute Jubilee

Cheering crowds have greeted the Queen as she travelled through the heart of the capital at the head of her majestic 1,000-strong Diamond Jubilee flotilla.

Surrounded by her family, the monarch acknowledged the good wishes of thousands who had flocked to the River Thames to witness the once in a lifetime spectacle.

Bridges and embankments were filled with spectators while others found vantage spots in offices blocks, all desperate to catch a glimpse of the myriad of boats, ships and tugs passing by.

The Queen received an outpouring of good wishes from those who had braved cold and wet conditions to see her and the water-borne celebration of her 60-year reign.

After travelling for around seven miles though the capital the royal barge moored just past Tower Bridge just as predicted heavy showers began to fall.

The Queen was now able to watch the spectacle of the flotilla, that had been travelling behind her, for herself - the narrow boats, tugs, Dunkirk little ships, pleasure cruisers and steam boats.

Moored nearby was HMS President, a navy corvette now used for public functions, where Prime Minister David Cameron and wife Samantha were also watching the ships pass-by.