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Pomp and circumstance

September 1, 2019 | Michael Turtle | 17 Comments

JUBILEE CELEBRATION

Jubilee flotilla on the Thames

Oh, for such a British event, there was such British weather.

The rain and the cold didn’t keep the Queen’s loyal subjects away from the Thames to see her Diamond Jubilee flotilla, though.

Oh no, it was something else entirely that stopped much of the crowd enjoying the festivities.

“I suggest you either go home or find a pub with a tellie,” shouted the safety officer with the polite assertion that only the English do so well.

The parade of boats down the River Thames had not even started yet but already people were being turned away.

diamond jubilee flotilla, london, thames, queen's jubilee, river parade

As I walked the back streets to try to find an access point, it was hard to move in some parts. Thousands – no, tens of thousands – of people were in the same boat (ironic pun intended).

Each potential entry to the river met with the same result: a group of security guards in orange fluoro barring the way.

If I peeked past the barriers, I could see some spectators by the water. But each time there seemed to be a lot less people down there than in these streets.

diamond jubilee flotilla, london, thames, queen's jubilee, river parade

A river of frustrated British citizens flowed along the pathways parallel to the flotilla, both potentially record-making in their size. Yet there was no anger from these subjects of the Queen.

There was some frustration at not being able to get a view, but this generally manifested itself in quiet mutterings rather than anything more volatile.

“I hate the Queen,” one young man shouted to the crowd.

“Well, no, I love her. But I hate that she’s not letting me see her!” That was as bad as it got.

diamond jubilee flotilla, london, thames, queen's jubilee, river parade

Personally, I wasn’t particularly annoyed. I knew that I had arrived a bit later than I should have and there would be consequences for that. What I didn’t expect was there to be so many people in a similar predicament.

I felt sorry for them. Most of the supporters who had come down to the Thames had made an effort – they were carrying flags, wearing Union Jack hats or coats, and had the flag draped over them.

They were hoping to be more than mere spectators, they were hoping to be a part of this national celebration.

diamond jubilee flotilla, london, thames, queen's jubilee, river parade

diamond jubilee flotilla, london, thames, queen's jubilee, river parade

The problem, as I see it, was twofold.

Firstly that the Thames doesn’t actually have many viewing areas.

Unlike many of the rivers in world capitals, the Thames has buildings right up to the water along much of the length; it doesn’t have a natural pathway along its banks. That severely limits the options for the public during an occasion like this.

The second, which I overheard many people discussing, is that there wasn’t much information given beforehand about where the best areas would be, what time would be too late to arrive, and whether there were any special facilities put in place for the million or so people expected to attend (there were hardly any).

diamond jubilee flotilla, london, thames, queen's jubilee, river parade

Much has been written or spoken in the media in past 24 hours about the spectacle of the Queen’s jubilee flotilla. Presumably it’s been by journalists and commentators who had their spot reserved for them.

They didn’t have to fight with the crowds to try to get even an obstructed glimpse of the water and the thousand boats.

The parade of vessels was supposed to be the crowning glory of the weekend’s diamond jubilee celebrations. In some senses it lived up to expectations with the size and pageantry but not, unfortunately, with its accessibility.

Bands on boats played the British classic ‘Pomp and Circumstance’. There was plenty of pomp on the Thames. I was with the tens of thousands of others who were victims of circumstance.

Reader Interactions

    Comments Cancel reply

  1. Sophie |

    June 5, 2012 at 1:39 am

    Reply

    So, as an Aussie, do you feel she’s your queen?

    • Michael Turtle |

      June 6, 2012 at 3:18 am

      Reply

      Oh, definitely. Even though there is quite a strong movement for Australia to become a republic, I think most people have a lot of respect for the woman herself.

  2. Peter |

    June 5, 2012 at 9:00 am

    Reply

    It’s like any event: the common man in the masses has a far less positive experience than the privileged or invited few. I’m old enough to know in advance it’s not worth having any part of these things except dipping in on TV.

    • Michael Turtle |

      June 6, 2012 at 3:19 am

      Reply

      I certainly think the TV would have been the best place to watch it from. Although you lose a bit of the atmosphere…

  3. AlexBerger |

    June 6, 2012 at 8:35 am

    Reply

    Definitely going to have to make it over for this one of these days!

    • Michael Turtle |

      June 6, 2012 at 11:07 pm

      Reply

      Well, you might have to wait another 10 years for the next jubilee (assuming Her Majesty makes it to another one…)

      • Pieter |

        June 7, 2012 at 7:19 am

        Reply

        Well, since her mother lived to be over a hunderd years old, chance are she will….

        • Michael Turtle |

          June 12, 2012 at 11:11 am

          Yeah, if you were Charles you would be wondering if you were ever going to get a go!

  4. Steve |

    June 6, 2012 at 9:49 am

    Reply

    haha so ridiculous. I heard on the radio today that the queen is like a cartoon hero for the British. They don’t really have a vice president so maybe she fills this void….

    • Michael Turtle |

      June 6, 2012 at 11:09 pm

      Reply

      I’m pretty sure the British would take the Queen over any Vice President the US has ever had… not convinced the roles are really comparable.

      • Steve |

        June 8, 2012 at 12:17 am

        Reply

        haha fair enough!

  5. The Travel Fool |

    June 7, 2012 at 1:34 pm

    Reply

    I think there is something to be said about tradition and history. The monarchy does not have the power it used to but to do away with it would be a shame.

    • Michael Turtle |

      June 12, 2012 at 11:20 am

      Reply

      Good point. The monarchy has always evolved over time to be more relevant. It would be a shame to ever get rid of it entirely.

  6. Cam |

    June 18, 2012 at 11:30 am

    Reply

    As a Canadian with the Queen mother on our currency also, I enjoyed watching the Jubilee (well, at least I enjoyed the highlight reel). I like it when countries make an effort to celebrate – it’s important on many levels

    • Michael Turtle |

      June 20, 2012 at 6:06 am

      Reply

      I think the patriotism definitely spread beyond more than just the UK. Australians and Canadians can be quite proud of the Commonwealth sometimes.

  7. Mary @ Green Global Travel |

    July 28, 2012 at 4:46 am

    Reply

    I think it shows a lot of national pride to have so many people come out in the rain to cheer on their queen.

    • Michael Turtle |

      August 19, 2012 at 7:21 pm

      Reply

      Well, they are British. It’s not like there would have been anything more interesting to do… :p

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This is the website of travel writer, Michael Turtle. After working in broadcast journalism for a decade in Australia, Michael left Sydney to travel the world indefinitely and write about the places, people and experiences he discovers. This isn't a diary - these are real stories from the world.

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