The Queens Diamond Jubilee River Pageant

We were very lucky to acquire a place at the Jubilee party at my office because Unilever House sits right on the bank of the Thames and overlooks the river with a view almost from Westminster, through Blackfriars Bridge and onto Tower Bridge.

Despite the rain the spirits were high and the crowds were plentiful. As you can imagine I took lots of photographs 🙂

Richard and I made our way into London fairly early where we met Paul and Antonio for brunch. this was followed by a walk to Farringdon to meet Paul and Chris. We stopped en route to the office at a Pub near Fleet Street for a pint or two and a giggle.

Paul and I were speculating what spread the office were putting on and we were both pleasantly surprised when we arrived. The whole reception was decorated in Union Flags and we were greeted by a brass band.

Our staff canteen had been decorated to resemble a large street party, there was an open bar (much Prosecco and Pimms were consumed), and a huge assortment of savoury and sweet snacks.

Of course the main part of the day was the flotilla and we were very lucky to have the wonderful view from the 8th floor. We managed to get a decent viewing point and were able to clearly see the flotilla as it makes it’s way up the Thames.

The crowds in and outside the building were very excited and we could tell when the Royal Family were close by the succession of camera flashes that went off.

I think we we all amazed at how big the royal barge was – so big it didn’t fit into a single shot!

We had an excellent view of the boats and they made their way down the Thames and were very lucky to be able to see them head down to Tower Bridge and to witness the raising of the bridge as it saluted the Queen.