Gloriana in excelsis: First Royal barge to be made for 100 years makes its majestic maiden voyage down the River Thames

The boat that will lead the Queen's Jubilee pageant had its first dip into the water today in a test run before the big event.

The Royal barge Gloriana was escorted through the streets of the capital this morning on the back of a truck before it was launched in the River Thames in preparation for the Queen's 60th Jubilee celebrations.

The boat was then put through its paces on the river before a pageant of more than 1,000 boats will sail on June 3 to mark the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty's reign.      Read Here