A-listers who made it
From plumbers to Dukes, we reveal definitive list of who’s who – and where – on the Queen’s great Royal boat show
IT IS the coveted invitation to what has been billed ‘the world’s biggest and most spectacular outdoor party’. Today The Mail on Sunday can reveal who has made it on to the exclusive ‘Sea List’ to join the Queen on the Thames for her Diamond Jubilee Pageant. At the heart of the spectacular flotilla of 1,000 vessels making the seven-and-a-half mile journey from Battersea Bridge to Tower Bridge next Sunday is the Royal Barge, the Spirit of Chartwell, which will host the Queen’s inner circle – detailed here for the first time.
Not surprisingly, Her Majesty has chosen to be surrounded by her most trusted family members. Remarkably, she has banished world leaders, politicians and foreign dignitaries in favour of her courtiers and a handful of her closest friends.
It is her way, say aides, of thanking her loyal confidantes.
Joining the Queen, who will be seated on a throne on the deck, will be the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry.
The 210ft vessel – decorated with flowers from the Royal gardens and with its prow adorned by a golden sculpture of Father Thames – promises to be a captivating sight for the thousands of spectators lining the river.
And for a monarch who has no time for the fame game, it is not surprising that her guest list shows a distinct lack of flashy celebrity.
It is in stark contrast to last year’s Royal Wedding, when Sir Elton John and the Beckhams jostled with aristocrats and heads of state for space on the pews of Westminster Abbey.
Even the Prime Minister has not been asked to join the Queen. Instead David Cameron and his wife Samantha will greet Her Majesty when the Royal Party disembarks close to Blackfriars Bridge to board the moored HMS President. Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg will be watching from a viewing spot elsewhere on the riverbank.
The fact is that the Queen’s guest list is a sober reflection of those she considers close friends. Everyone who has served her loyally during her 60-year reign, from her florist to her diary secretary to the wine expert at Buckingham Palace, has been accommodated.
Those sailing with her on Sunday will include her Lady in Waiting of more than 50 years, Lady Susan Hussey, her deputy private secretary Edward Young, her equerry Lieutenant Colonel Dan Rex and her Waterman Christopher Livett.
The Mail on Sunday has been told that the Prince of Wales handpicked the guests under his mother’s brief that her inner circle were to take pride of place.
Curiously, the Spirit of Chartwell has had extra sick bags stocked on board in case any of the guests feels unwell. Neither Camilla nor Charles has strong sea legs.
Fortunately for the international media, who start descending on the capital this week, almost every senior member of the Royal Family will be taking part in the flotilla.
To maximise the impact of the spectacle it was decided months ago that other senior Royals would travel on different vessels, flanking the Spirit of Chartwell.
Princess Anne and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence will sail on the Trinity House No 1 boat, but her daughter Zara Phillips and husband Mike Tindall will not attend because Zara is competing in a horse trial. According to one source, Tindall did not want to attend without his wife. Peter Phillips also declined an invitation.
The Duke of York and his daughters Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie will be aboard the Havengore, joined by the Mayor of London Boris Johnson and former Prime Minister Sir John Major and his wife Norma. There is no place in the flotilla for former Prime Ministers Tony Blair or Gordon Brown.
Meanwhile, the Duchess of Cambridge’s family will be aboard paddle steamer the Elizabethan, which will sail close to the Royal Barge. It was, after all, Prince William’s desire to keep his wife’s family close when they married – and it is no coincidence they have some of the best seats on the river.