THE Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh have taken part in the grand Thames Diamond Jubilee River Pageant along the.

Colourful crowds, champagne and community spirit were out in force on the banks of the river - with many dressed head to toe in union flag memorabilia.

In true British style, celebrations were not deterred by the earlier rainy weather.

Some people in the crowd had camped out since 2am to secure a prime spot to see the 1,000 strong flotilla.

The first impressive vessel to greet spectators was the Gloriana, the �1 million row barge which led the manpowered section.

It was rowed by 18 oarsmen and women including Olympic gold medallists Sir Matthew Pinsent and Sir Steve Redgrave, Paralympic athletes and disabled British servicemen.