THE QUEEN's row barge Gloriana took part in her first engagement of 2016 today in glorious spring sunshine.
A crew of Royal Watermen were on board as Gloriana joined the Tudor Pull from Hampton Court Palace all the way to the Tower of London.
A flotilla of traditional Thames cutters were alongside, as well as the Royal shallop Jubilant, as the stela was carried along the Thames and safely delivered to the Tower.
Read more about the 'stela' and the Tudor Pull
The boats and crews mustered at Hampton Court Palace this morning before departing at 10.30am. Having passed through Teddington Lock, the flotilla then made a brief stop at Richmond before continuing the journey and passing under Tower Bridge to complete the 25 mile journey at about 4pm.
Photos from the Royal Watermen's Tudor Pull 2016
Gloriana draws a crowd at Hampton Court Landing Stage
The Royal shallop Jubilant with Hampton Court Palace in the background
QRB Gloriana passes Hampton Court Palace
The Royal Watermen's Tudor Pull is Gloriana's first engagement since leaving winter storage at Denton last week.
Small crowds stopped along the Thames Path and on bridges to witness the flotilla, seen here approaching Teddington Lock shortly after passing through Kingston upon Thames
Gloriana heads under the footbridge at Teddington Lock
The pause at Teddington Lock provides a 15 minute break for the oarsmen
Gloriana passes Petersham and is seen rounding the iconic bend visible from Richmond Hill
A favourite view of the artist JMW Turner
A short break for victuals at sunny Richmond riverside
UPDATE
Great to have one my photos from yesterday's event on the front page of the Times today!
Buy a copy of a photo from this post as a digital file or print
