More than a million people have lined the banks of the River Thames on a rainy day in London to cheer Queen Elizabeth and a flotilla celebrating her 60 years on the throne.
More than 1,000 vessels sailed along a 7-mile stretch of the river past landmarks including the Houses of Parliament and St. Paul's Cathedral before ending their journey near Tower Bridge.
The flotilla included rowboats, sailboats, gondolas, dragon boats and a replica Viking longboat. More than three dozen "Dunkirk Little Ships" represented the private boats that rescued thousands of British soldiers from the beaches of France in 1940.
The queen and her family led the parade aboard a barge decorated in red, gold and purple velvet.
Rain scuttled plans for a ceremonial flyover, but didn't dampen the enthusiasm of the crowd, estimated by organizers at 1.25 million.
The pageant was the largest public event in four days of celebrations of the queen's Diamond Jubilee. Tomorrow, the queen will join thousands at an outdoor concert beside Buckingham Palace, headlined by Paul McCartney and Elton John.
Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
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