Ceremonial Events

Known for her vital role in many of the nation’s most important events and news stories, Havengore has a truly remarkable history and continues to take centre stage in key events today.

Sir Winston Churchill’s farewell – 1965

One of Havengore’s proudest moments came in 1965 when, watched live by a worldwide audience of 350 million, she carried Sir Winston Churchill on his final journey by water along the River Thames.  “And so Havengore sails into history – not even the Golden Hinde has borne so great a man”.  Richard Dimbleby, the BBC Lead Commentator, 30th January 1965.

HM The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee – 2012

During HM Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee River Pageant in 2012, Havengore had the honour of carrying a total of nine members of the Royal family together with Lord Mayor of London, the Mayor of London and other dignitaries.

Paralympic Torch-bearer – 2012

Havengore was called upon in August 2012 to carry the Paralympic Torch bearers along the River Thames, on their way to the Opening Ceremony, marking the start of the most successful event of its kind.

Commemoration of Sir Winston Churchill’s funeral – 2015

On 30 January 2015, with members of the Churchill family and other dignitaries on board, Havengore commemorated 50 years since Sir Winston Churchill’s funeral by retracing the original journey on the Thames. A remembrance service was held on board, and a wreath was cast onto the waters opposite the Palace of Westminster.

Thames Tribute to HM Queens Longest Reign

9^th September 2015,  Havengore leads a flotilla of boats including the Gloriana as a tribute to HM Queen’s longest reign. Tower Bridge opened,  HMS Belfast gave a 4 gun salute and fire boats used their hoses in a spectacular display.  Crowds lined the embankments and bridges to show their support for this very special day.

Armistice Day 11th November 2015

The Seventh Annual River Thames Act of Remembrance to be held since its revival in
2009.  Small flotilla of vessels depart from Tower Bridge to the Palace of Westminster, observation of the two minutes silence and a solemn religious service, followed by the laying of a specially constructed and dissolvable wreath on the waters of the Thames.

Queen’s 90th Birthday River Parade – 11th June 2016

Havengore leads a motorised flotilla to celebrate this wonderful occasion.  The flotilla comprised: squadron of Dunkirk Little Ships – including MTB 102 which is a small torpedo vessel, the Massey Shaw Fire Boat, Thames Limo – with it’s wonderful Union Jack livery, duty boats: RNLI, Fire Boat, Police & PLA and Thames Clippers.  Havengore had the wonderful GMT Brass Ensemble on board, who were accompanied by the beautiful vocals of Opera Singer Nazan Fikret.