Three Generations of Royals join the Queen as she sets sail down the Thames on Glorious Jubilee River Pageant.

 

The River Thames became a royal highway Sunday, as Queen Elizabeth II led a motley but majestic flotilla of more than 1,000 vessels in a waterborne pageant to mark her Diamond Jubilee.

In a colorful salute to the island nation's maritime past, an armada of skiffs and sailboats, rowboats and paddle steamers joined a flower-festooned royal barge down a 7-mile (11-kilometer) stretch of London's river.

With a crowd of rain-soaked spectators estimated by organizers at 1.25 million cheering from the riverbanks, the pageant was the largest public event in four days of celebrations of the monarch's 60 years on the throne.

Three generations of Royals join the Queen as she sets sail down the Thames on glorious Jubilee river pageant.

Scroll down to watch highlights of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Pageant:

The queen's grandson, Prince William, and his wife, the Duchess of Cambridge — he in his Royal Air Force uniform, she in a red Alexander McQueen dress — and William's brother, Prince Harry, were among senior royals who joined the queen and her husband, Prince Philip.

Members of the Royal family (from left to right) Prince of Wales, Duke of Edinburgh, the Queen, Duchess of Cornwall, Duchess of Cambridge, Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry.

The royal barge 'Spirit of Chartwell' carrying the Queen cruises down the River Thames during the Diamond Jubilee Pageant.

Tradition meets hi-tech on a day of history: The royal barge passes under Tower Bridge against a backdrop of ultra-modern glass buildings. Soaring high above them is the magnificent pyramid-shaped Shard, at 1,020ft the tallest building in the European Union, construction of which is almost complete.

The bascules of Tower Bridge opened for the arrival of the royal barge, the Spirit of Chartwell, as the Royal Family prepared to take their places on HMS President to watch the rest of the seven mile-long flotilla making its way down the Thames.

Just after 2pm more than a thousand vessels set off in wave after wave of tugs, steamers, pleasure cruisers, dragon boats and kayaks with the Queen travelling at its heart.

After a celebratory peal of bells from a special belfry barge, the royal boat sailed downstream at a stately 4 knots (4.6 mph, 7.4 kph), accompanied by tugs, pleasure craft, narrow boats, kayaks, gondolas, dragon boats and even a replica Viking longboat. Also in the flotilla were more than three dozen "Dunkirk Little Ships," private boats that rescued thousands of British soldiers from the beaches of France after the German invasion in 1940 — a defeat that became a major victory for wartime morale.

The vessels sailed past some of London's great landmarks — including the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye and St. Paul's Cathedral — before ending their journey near Tower Bridge. Downriver, sailing ships too tall to fit under London's bridges were moored along both banks of the river.

The queen traveled down a river transformed during her reign, from the commercial and industrial heart of London to a — much cleaner — playground for tourists and pleasure craft. The pageant evoked a time when it was vital to London, and to Britain. Monarchs used the river as their main highway for centuries, and river processions were once common in London. The last comparable royal pageant was held for King Charles II in 1662, when diarist Samuel Pepys recorded boats so numerous he could "see no water."

The view from the London Eye: Crowds pack Westminster Bridge as the royal barge and escort passes the Houses of Parliament.

Anchors aweigh: The manpowered section of the Diamond Jubilee River Pageant headed along the River Thames to Tower Bridge, London.

Braving the elements: The rowers who manned Gloriana had been on the river for hours by the time the conclusion of the pageant.

Putting their backs into it: The Gloriana leads the manpowered craft towards Westminster Bridge during Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee Pageant on the River Thames in London.

Sweet sound: The Royal Jubilee Bells, on Ursula Catherine Belfry Barge, passed the Palace of Westminster at the head of the Diamond Jubilee Thames River Pageant.

Spectacular: Every available vantage point down the Embankment and the Millennium Bridge was packed as hundreds of thousands of people tried to getting a view of the Royal Pageant along the Thames.

At Tower Bridge — the final bridge before the river reaches the sea — a fanfare rang out and the two blue arms known as bascules were raised in salute to the royal boat. The pageant was a visual spectacle, accompanied by a wall of sound. The river rang with spectators' cheers, ships' horns, church bells and the sound of barge-borne bands playing everything from Handel's "Water Music" to Bollywood anthems and — as the vessels passed the headquarters of the MI6 spy agency — the James Bond theme.

The pageant ended with a slightly soggy burst of fireworks over Tower Bridge — and news from Guinness World Records that it had broken the record for largest parade of boats.

Explosive finish: Fireworks go off at Tower Bridge as the pageant reaches its conclusion.

The Queen alongside The Duchesses of Cambridge and Cornwall enjoy the the Jubilee Pageant on the Thames which broke a world record for the number of boats in a procession.

Pippa Middleton, second from the right, was on-board one of the boats with her brother James, far right, and father Michael, third from right. They were invited by the Queen to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee.

Red, white and blue: Spectators clutched Union Flags as they watch the flotilla from Butlers Wharf, near Tower Bridge, during Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee River Pageant along the River Thames.

The Spirit of Chartwell made its way down the Thames with the Queen and other members of the Royal family onboard as thousands of people watched from bridges and river banks.

Then and now: A flotilla of manpowered craft rows past St Paul's Cathedral, in a 1747 painting, by Venetian artist Canaletto entitled "London, top. The skyline may have changed since then, but the latest pageant is still a striking image, bottom.

A steam train and pleasure boat of all shapes and sizes are seen from Battersea bridge on the River Thames as the Queen celebrates her Diamond Jubilee.

The 86-year-old queen wore a silver and white dress and matching coat — embroidered with gold, silver and ivory spots and embellished with Swarovski crystals to evoke the river — for her trip aboard the barge Spirit of Chartwell, decorated for the occasion in regal red, gold and purple velvet.

The queen took the throne in 1952 on the death of her father, King George VI, and most Britons have known no other monarch.

A jubilant looking Queen Elizabeth II greets the Chelsea Pensioners before she boards The Spirit of Chartwell ahead of the Jubilee celebrations.

The Queen walks down the gangway to her launch wearing an outfit especially designed for the occasion by Angela Kelly. It has been a year in the making.

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh wave from the launch during the pageant celebration to mark 60 years of her reign in Britain. She celebrated the day with her family and hundreds of thousands of people who lined the banks of the River Thames.

Crowds of people gather near Tower Bridge to see the Queen as she cruises along on the Thames. This is only the second time in the history of the UK that a Monarch has celebrated a Diamond Jubilee.

Crowds gather on Westminster Bridge, London, ahead of the start of the Diamond Jubilee river pageant.

Supporters of the Queen gather in the cold weather as the Queen celebrates her Diamond Jubilee.

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee river pageant reached its end as a world record-beating 1,000-strong flotilla passed under Tower Bridge.

The belfry carrying The Royal Jubilee Bells was the first vessel through, followed by the million-pound row barge Gloriana led by Olympic gold medallists Sir Matthew Pinsent and Sir Steve Redgrave, rowing with 16 others.

A 41-gun salute was fired from the Tower of London to celebrate the Queen's 60 years on the throne while thousands of people cheered on the banks of the River Thames despite the wet weather.

 

Hundreds of thousands of people crowded the Thames shoreline to watch the Royal Jubilee Pageant. From left to right, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry watched proceedings from the Royal barge which formed part of a flotilla of 1,000 boats

God Bless You; "Queen Elizabeth's."

Kate Middleton attending the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II enthroned.

Kate Middleton look stunning with Alexander McQueen fashion design while attending the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II enthroned.

Dress is taken from the McQueen collection in Summer 2011 and although the collection of old, she still looks elegant while wearing them. Prince William's wife was also seen wearing a matching hat works of Sylvia Fletcher of James Lock & Co.

 
Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, Queen Elizabeth II, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge on board the Spirit of Chart well during the Diamond Jubilee Pageant on the River Thames during the Diamond Jubilee Thames River Pageant on June 3, 2012 in London, England. For only the second time in its history the UK celebrates the Diamond Jubilee of a monarch. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II celebrates the 60th anniversary of her ascension to the throne. Thousands of well-wishers from around the world have flocked to London to witness the spectacle of the weekend's celebrations. The Queen along with all members of the royal family will participate in a River Pageant with a flotilla of a 1,000 boats accompanying them down The Thames, the star studded free concert at Buckingham Palace, and a carriage procession and a service of thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge takes part in The Thames River Pageant.

Prince Harry, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge on the royal barge 'Spirit of Chartwell' during the Diamond Jubilee Thames River Pageant on June 3, 2012 in London, England.

Prince Harry, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh onboard the Spirit of Chartwell during the Diamond Jubilee Pageant on the River Thames during the Diamond Jubilee Thames River Pageant on June 3, 2012 in London, England.

Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William look out from the Spirit of Chartwell during the Diamond Jubilee Thames River Pageant on June 3, 2012 in London, England. William, who had on his Royal Air Force uniform for his grandmother's special day, is the Commodore in Chief of the Royal Navy Submarine Service.

Kate Middleton was a standout at Queen Elizabeth's diamond jubilee river pageant on the Thames in London over the weekend outfitted in a scarlet Alexander McQueen dress that she paired with a flamboyant red feathered hat by Sylvia Fletcher. But it was another accessory that stood out on the festive occasion: the duchess' brooch. "Kate's wearing a maritime-themed brooch featuring two silver dolphins. It's a gift from the Royal Navy Submarine Service." Middleton reportedly received the pin as a wedding gift.

Because the old collection, the clothes have been worn since the two celebrity fashion show Spring / Summer 2011. On July 2011, for example, the jury television show The X Factor is the literature of ever wearing a dress in a sleeveless version. The same was done by Kim Kardashian is seen wearing the red dress while attending an event in New York in August 2011. The difference is, Kim's dress is modified to be shorter.

It is not the first time celebrities seen wearing the same clothes, this time turn Kate Middleton and Kim Kardashian.

When Kim and literature of both wear dress with a sleeveless version, Kate chose a long-sleeved version is more appropriate for the celebration of the Queen at the same time make it look more elegant.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge In Emilia Wickstead – Diamond Jubilee Luncheon.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and her husband, Prince William, share a smile during a reception in the Waterloo Chamber at the Windsor Castle on Friday (May 18) in Windsor, England. Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge Joined the Royal family this afternoon for a lunch hosted by the Queen for monarchs from 26 countries at Windsor Palace.

Kate, 30, who looked stunning in an Emilia Wickstead dress, and William, 29, were joined at the reception by Prince Harry and Queen Elizabeth II.

After the reception, guests enjoyed the lunch for Sovereign Monarch’s held in honor of Queen Elizabeth II‘s Diamond Jubilee.

Princess Charlene, Prince Albert, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, the Queen of Denmark, the Emperor of Japan, the King of Jordan, the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, the King of Norway, the Crown Prince of Thailand and the King of Swaziland were all reported guests of the Queen‘s, according to Us Weekly.

Catherine opted for a pretty pink Emilia Wickstead coat dress with a pleated skirt from the Fall 2012 collection.

A brooch accented her dress which she paired with champagne-coloured satin pumps.

William and Kate meeting the Prince and Princess of Monaco

Kate Middleton looked charming in this blush straw hat for her garden party at the Buckingham Palace.

Kate Middleton Wears Jenny Packham and Jimmy Choo For Olympic Concert.

As an Olympic ambassador, we've already seen Kate Middleton playing hockey with the Team GB squad while kitted out in colour-popping jeans and this evening, the Duchess of Cambridge is continuing her patriotic duties at an extra special shindig. Yup, on this fine Friday, Prince William and Kate are walking the red carpet at the Royal Albert Hall as guests of honour for the 'Our Greatest Team Rises' event, which celebrates the British athletes hoping for glory at this summer's London games. The royal couple, who celebrated their first wedding anniversary last month, are joined by a bunch of famous faces including Mel C, Davina McCall and *squeal* Gary Barlow.

But what of Kate's ensemble? Well, err, WOW. Swathed in a floor-sweeping gown, she looks every inch the elegant princess. We've been reliably informed that the dress comes courtesy of Jenny Packham's Spring Summer 2012 collection and consists of a lace bodice that's embellished with Swarovski crystals and features an un-Middy-esque plunging neckline. Meanwhile, the skirt is pleated and is ribbon-waisted with a crystal and flower embellishment. We swoon. And would you look at that rich emerald colour! We're used to seeing the DoC in muted tones from charcoal greys to simple whites so such a bold hue is a right ol' treat.

Kate's topped off the gown with a matching clutch created especially for her by Jenny Packham, glistening drop earrings and the same silver Jimmy Choo Vamp heels she was sporting at Claridge's Hotel earlier this week. And her hair looks terrific, dontcha think, intricately plaited into a ladylike bun. With those delicate lace sleeves and the stunning buttoned-up back, this is one dress that demands an up 'do rather than those signature bouncy waves while the sweepy side-parting is the ideal finishing touch to such an elegant offering. Hmm, is someone trying to impress a certain Mr Barlow, we wonder?

One word for her is: Graceful.

Kate's brunette locks curled and coiffed to within an inch of their life by a team from the Richard Ward salon in Chelsea into an intricate knotted bun.

Happy couple: Kate stayed close to the Duke of Cambridge as she walked along the red carpet

The elegant royal couple exited their car to roars of approval from the eager crowd.

Spring style: The floaty dress featured a jewelled waist belt and netted shoulders

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, arrives in style at the "Our Greatest Team Rises" Olympic Concert held at Royal Albert Hall on Friday (May 11) in London, England.

Touching: Prince William puts a protective hand on his wife's slender back as they talk to some British Airways air hostesses.

The Secret to Kate Middleton's Figure Revealed?

Kate Middleton Plays Field Hockey While Wearing Orange Skinny Jeans

Kate Middleton has stolen the spotlight in recent red carpet appearances by showing up in sexier, more daring gowns and sky-high heels that show off her slim, toned figure.

Now British media are reporting they've obtained the Duchess of Cambridge's secrets to staying so fit and toned, and it could be good news for commoners without a royal budget or a royal personal trainer.

Middleton, 30, reportedly stays fit with just a ball, a set of dumbbells and one hour per day. Calling it the Duchess's $15 workout for the price of the ball and dumbbells combined, British magazine Now reports that Middleton, the wife of Prince William, 29, trains herself, without the assistance of a trainer or fancy gym.

"Kate does an hour's workout every morning using the gym ball and dumbbells, which includes some core exercises like squats, sit-ups and arm curls," a royal source tells the magazine.

Middleton was an athlete in high school and recently showed off her sporty side in a surprise visit to the Olympic Park in Stratford, East London, where she took the field and held her own with the British Olympic women's field hockey team.

The Duchess, whom Now claims is a size 6, has also been spotted staying active by cheering her husband and brother-in-law, Prince Harry, on at the polo field and taking the couple's new dog, Lupo, on long walks.

The no-frills approach to exercise, while not confirmed by the Palace, would fit in well with the everyday lifestyle preferred by Middleton and her royal groom.

The couple are said to have shed royal servants in favor of going it alone and Middleton herself has been spotted doing the couple's grocery shopping and filling her wardrobe with visits to mass retailers like TopShop in London.

Not reported in the Now magazine article is whether or not Middleton's exercise regime is part of a training program for any particular race.

Kate Middleton vs. Pippa Middleton — Fashion Face Off.

Kate Middleton, 30, made the blue wrap dress she wore during her official engagement announcement with Prince William in November 2010 instantly iconic. Style-savvy shoppers snapped it up so fast that it sold out in less than 24 hours, and the dress was replicated for the Duchess of Cambridge's wax figure at Madame Tussaud's wax museum in London. So it was quickly recognized when Kate's younger sister, Pippa, 28, stepped out in a different shade of the same Issa "Forever" dress last week, just a year and a half after Kate made it famous. Pippa's been known to upstage the competition, and this was certainly a smart way to steal the spotlight! But did she don the dress as well as her sister? Sounds like this all-Middleton edition of our style showdown is on!

Big sister Kate debuted a royal blue version of the dress (appropriate, no?) with black heels and minimal jewelry, which of course included her engagement ring, an 18-karat oval sapphire surrounded by diamonds that was selected by the late Princess Diana for her wedding to Prince Charles. The sparkler cost $60,000 in 1981. The frock played up Kate's fit physique, which, as was recently reported by British magazine Now, she maintains with an hour-long workout every morning using only a gym ball and dumbbells, and no personal trainer.

Pippa, whose own figure inspired a "butt lift" craze following the royal wedding in April 2011, wore the raspberry version of the dress for last weekend's nuptials of her friend Camilla Hook to Sam Holland, the grandson of Lord Richard Atten borough, in Scotland. She also donned a rosebud fascinator, a black handbag, and black pumps as she reportedly read the lyrics to Bob Dylan's "Forever Young" at the ceremony and mingled with guests.

Now, both Kate and Pippa selected a gorgeous garment. The wrap style of the dress makes it flattering for all body types — not that either of them need any help in that department! And they've both chosen shades that contrast nicely with their dark hair. While I prefer Kate's locks without a fascinator, Pippa can't really be penalized for wearing something that's a wardrobe staple in her world. (Although she probably won't be wearing many hats if rumors that she plans to move to New York City prove true.) The real tie-breaker then is that Kate made the dress memorable, so anyone else wearing it is going to seem as if they're simply recreating a look that truly belongs to her.  By the way, i love they both. :)

Madly In Love Prince William & Kate Middleton’s Romantic Nights At Home.

After six weeks apart while Prince William was on duty in the Falkland Islands, he and Kate are desperate for alone time.

Even though it’s only been one year since Prince William and Kate Middleton got married, Prince Harry joked that the newlyweds have become decidedly middle-aged, even dull.

“William doesn’t really go out any more and Kate never did,” a source tells the Daily Mail. “They are both just happy at home eating home-cooked suppers, curled up on the sofa watching movies.”

While the royal couple could choose to reside in a London palace and have a full staff at their disposal, the low-key lovebirds prefer to live life below the radar in their five-bedroom cottage in rural Anglesey. “They love to walk and dine alfresco, often using the sausage maker Kate bought William two summers ago,” reports the Daily Mail. “They enjoy DVD box sets, and Kate has the latest series of acclaimed Danish crime drama The Killing lined up for their next sofa session.”

While friends of the couple may laugh about the couple’s middle-aged ways, William and Kate know that their quiet lifestyle is only temporary. After the couple married, the Queen agreed to give them a two-year grace period to live how they please before they move into the late Princess Margaret’s home at Kensington Palace, where they will raise their family. Then, William will have to decide whether to stay in the Royal Air Force or live a life of Royal obligation.