A summer of celebrations to mark the bicentenary of Nelson's dramatic naval victory at Trafalgar got off to a memorable start with the first naval fleet review in Britain for almost 30 years.
Around 170 ships from over 30 of the world's navies gathered at Spithead, near Portsmouth, at the invitation of the Royal Navy. As the largest review ever staged, it demonstrated the strong international links which the Royal Navy has developed during Britain's rich maritime history.
As well as powerful naval warships, over 5,000 other ships were present in the Solent, including merchant ships, racing and cruising yachts, fishing boats, family and work-boats, and even the QE2 cruise liner.
Reviewing the vessels on board Royal Navy ships stationed off Portsmouth were members of the Royal Family, including The Queen as Lord High Admiral of the United Kingdom and The Duke of Edinburgh, who is Admiral of the Fleet.
The Queen and Prince Philip were embarked on the icebreaker HMS ENDURANCE for the review, sailing between the lines of assembled ships to inspect them. ENDURANCE is one of the Navy's most unusual vessels, spending seven months of the year on deployment in the Antarctic.
Following the review, The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh attended a reception on the aircraft carrier HMS INVINCIBLE.
Other members of the Royal Family to witness the fleet review included The Prince of Wales, who is a Vice Admiral in the Royal Navy, and The Duchess of Cornwall.
The Duke of York, a Commander in the Royal Navy, embarked on HMS ENTERPRISE for the review and later attended a reception on HMS ILLUSTRIOUS followed by a dinner on HMS INVINCIBLE.
The Princess Royal, as Chief Commandant for Women in the Royal Navy, was on board HMS ALBION and later RFA SIR BEDIVERE for the fleet review before attending a dinner at Southsea Castle.
Her Royal Highness was accompanied throughout the day by her husband, Timothy Laurence, himself a Rear Admiral in the Royal Navy.
The Duchess of Gloucester watched the review from HMS GLOUCESTER before attending a reception on HMS ILLUSTRIOUS and a dinner on HMS INVINCIBLE. Her Royal Highness is the Sponsor of HMS GLOUCESTER, and launched her in 1982.
Prince and Princess Michael of Kent were on board RFA FORT GEORGE for the Fleet Review and later on board HMS INVINCIBLE. His Royal Highness is an Honorary Rear Admiral in the Royal Navy Reserve.
After the Review, The Queen sent the following message of thanks to the crew of all the ships which had participated:
"It gave me great pleasure to review the international fleet assembled today at Spithead to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the death of Admiral Lord Nelson and to witness the maritime flypast.
I was most impressed by the array of vessels and aircraft from the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and the many nations which took part. This review reflects the true spirit of cooperation which exists between maritime nations and is a fitting symbol of the enduring legacy of the spirit of Nelson.
To those of you who have participated in this memorable event, and to all who continue to contribute to and support the many demanding operations around the world, The Duke of Edinburgh and I send our best wishes and thanks.
Splice the Mainbrace."
In the evening, following the review, a spectacular firework display was staged on the water to illustrate a sea battle from Nelson's time. A fleet of 17 tall ships from five nations took part in the re-enactment off Southsea.
The Battle of Trafalgar is regarded as one of the most decisive naval actions in British history as it established Britain's supremacy at sea and freed the country from the long-held fear of invasion from Napoleon's armies.
The battle off Cape Trafalgar, near Cadiz in Spain, pitched the Royal Navy against the combined fleets of France and Spain.
Nelson died in the battle after was shot by a French marksman as he stood on the quarterdeck of HMS Victory. National mourning greeted the return of his body to Britain; he was buried in St. Paul's Cathedral.
Various events are taking place over the summer of 2005 to commemorate this naval victory. Read more about the International Festival of the Sea using the link below.
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