Next Sunday will see crowds return to the banks of the Thames by Hampton Court Palace as Her Majesty’s Watermen begin their traditional annual marathon row from Hampton Court Palace to the Tower of London.  The historic ‘Tudor Pull’ celebrates the River Thames and the powerful role it has played for centuries in the history of the Capital.  This year’s festivities are sure to draw huge attention, as the royal barge which led last year’s Jubilee Pageant – the Gloriana – puts in a special appearance.

Join us at 10am on Sunday morning, when the ‘Stela’, an ancient piece of water pipe, made from a hollow tree trunk, and symbolising the power of London’s historic waterway, is ceremonially handed to Her Majesty’s Watermen in the shadow of Henry VIII’s majestic Tudor Palace.  A toast will be raised to Her Majesty’s Watermen and Royal Bargemen, joined by the State Apartment Warders of Hampton Court Palace – and visitors will be welcome to join the celebrations with a rousing chorus of cheers for the Watermen who will accompany the ‘Stela��� on its long journey down the Thames.

The ‘Stela’ will then be ceremonially processed to the Gloriana, waiting nearby at Barge Walk, and rigged with ceremonial canopies and flags.  At 10.45am, the procession to the Tower of London will begin, as Hampton Court Palace’s State Apartment Warders and visitors give the crew a well-deserved cheer and send-off. 

Along the route, the flotilla, led by the Gloriana and accompanied by a fleet of traditional Thames rowing craft, will stop at Teddington at 11.45, Richmond at 12.45, and Putney at 3 o clock and all local well-wishers will be welcome to give Her Majesty’s Watermen a round of applause along the tiring 25 mile route!

The flotilla is expected to arrive at the Tower of London at 4pm, following which, the ‘Stela’ will be presented to the Governor of the Tower of London.  After a short ceremony, he will accept the ‘Stela’ under his protection.

For further information please contact Laura Hutchinson, Press Officer on 0203 166 6338.