Three Queens In Southampton

5 June 2012, 09:11 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Cruise company Cunard sailed its three ships into port together on Tuesday June 5th for the first time in honour of the Diamond Jubilee.

Queen Victoria, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth sailed in single file into Southampton early on June 5th, with fire-tugs and a flotilla of small boats welcoming them in.

As Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria took a bow-to-bow position close to City Terminal at around 5.30am, Queen Mary 2 passed each ship in turn, creating a Three Bow formation, as crew lined the foredecks, and the ships' whistles sounded in salute.

The nautical show kicked off a day of celebrations in the city to celebrate the Queen's 60 years on the throne with live bands and entertainment.

The Red Arrows were planning to give their first ever display over the city in the evening but they had to cancel it because of the weather. A fireworks spectacular took place at 10.20pm before the ships left port from 11pm.

Organisers  claimed the day was the biggest celebration outside London over the extended bank holiday weekend.

Three Queens In Southampton