Flotilla for King Charles III

ABOUT 150 boats took part in a flotilla on the River Thames on Monday to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III.

Despite the unpredictable weather, spectators gathered along the banks to watch the spectacle and wave Union flags as a variety of vessels travelled upstream from Hambleden Lock to Marsh Lock and back again.

Many of the vessels were decorated in Union flags, crowns and depictions of the royal family.

As they went under Henley Bridge, the people on board waved at those watching from above who waved back and took photographs.

The flotilla included rowing boats, large and small motor boats, skiffs, launches, dragonboats, canoes and paddleboards.

It was led by a tug carrying organiser Lady McAlpine, of Fawley Hill, and inventor and TV presenter Edd China, which was accompanied by a giant swan blaring anthems including Queen’s We Are the Champions.

Lady McAlpine, who co-chairs the Thames Traditional Boat Festival, said: “I had great fun. I felt very silly leading the flotilla and my hair was everywhere.

“We suggested that it would be lovely if people just got together and floated up the river. We are going to award some prizes which will be handed out at the ‘Trad’ later this year.”

Geoff Probert, of the Henley Whalers, and his crew of 11 rowed in Molly, a replica whale boat. He said the flotilla was “great fun”, adding: “The weather could have been a bit better of course. The strong stream and headwind made it a bit harder to row at points.

“I was surprised by how many boats there were, I really had no idea that many had entered. There was such a great crowd outside Phyllis Court and in Mill Meadows. It was really great being a part of it all.”

Hobbs of Henley’s replica paddle steamer The New Orleans also took part. Passengers including visitors, residents and former Hobbs staff Raymond Gardiner and Gill Chater, who worked for the company for a combined total of 90 years.

Captain Pete West said: “I’ve never done anything like this before. Shame the sun isn’t out but that’s part of being British, isn’t it?”

Passenger Brian Pursglove, from Lancashire, said: “We love Henley. It’s a beautiful place. We wanted to be a part of the flotilla, get dressed up and feel a part of it, feel a part of Henley.” Lyndsay Campbell, also from Lancashire, said: “I’ve never felt so British.”

Lorenzo Clarke, six, from Hambleden, said: “I’m happy about the coronation, it was the best day. It makes me feel so British.”

A register of all the boats that took part will be sent to the King. This will include the name and type of each boat and who was aboard.

Lady McAlpine said: “With all the names and details, we will be able to build a lovely register. It will be there for posterity.”