Jubilee: The Flotilla

First, the winner of the two BBC-America DVDs is AnneHH, also known as Princess Anne! Anne, e-mail me with your address.

Between switching back and forth between checking HM’s Tweets, and watching the live stream of the Flotilla, I almost felt like I was in London… aside from the fact that it was chucking down rain there and stunningly beautiful here.

If you haven’t checked out HM The Queen’s twitter feed, it’s hilarious.The feed I was watching did not have commentary, which was perfectly fine with me. I loved listening to the crowds roar when HM’s barge went by and you could just feel the love and admiration her subjects have for her.

After her barge moored, all of the 1000+ boats in the flotilla passed by. Some boats were pretty small, while others were more substantial.There were ten musical barges, ranging from this band of pipers, to this mixed chorus who were singing “Jerusalem”, one of my favourite hymns, and one which we sang at my father’s funeral.

Did I mention that it was heaving down with rain?

But that didn’t deter the crowds lining every available space on the banks of the Thames.

Some of the people on the boats just waved when they went by HM’s barge.I was very moved to see these two gentlemen doing the right thing and saluting their sovereign.

You might notice the blue and red suspender-type ornaments around everyone’s neck – they’re actually instant-inflatable life jackets, which are mandatory on UK waters. No exceptions. Even these gals were wearing them!

Day 3 of the Jubilee brings a rock concert in front of Buckingham Palace and the lighting of the beacons. I’ve got mine ready. Do you?

And please tell me what you thought of the coverage if you followed along!