Queen of the Lake returns home after Diamond Jubilee Pageant

Windermere Lake Cruises’ historic ‘Queen of the Lake’ vessel has been safely returned home to Windermere after taking her place in history and representing Cumbria in the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant.

The vessel travelled a 600 mile round trip to take part in the event which was watched by millions around the world over the Jubilee weekend and saw a thousand boats gather on the river Thames, stretching for an estimated twelve and a half miles, in celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

By sheer coincidence the journey also took her back to East Molsey where she was constructed in 1949 by local boatbuilding company ‘Watercraft’.

Working with the Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria, Royal Windermere Yacht Club and Windermere Motor Boat Racing Club, Windermere Lake Cruises was immensely proud to provide the vessel and enable Cumbria to be represented at the international event.

Nigel Wilkinson, Managing Director, Windermere Lake Cruises said: “It took such a tremendous amount of organisation and support from the local community to enable Queen of the Lake to represent Cumbria in such a large scale event so to be part of that and experience the day itself was very humbling and a proud moment that I am sure everyone involved will remember for a very long time.”

Queen of the Lake was decorated in handmade yellow daffodils which were designed and created by local schoolchildren. A Peter Rabbit mascot was also on board.

Built in 1949, measuring 15.2 metres and able to accommodate up to 84 passengers, Queen of the Lake is one of Windermere Lake Cruises’ four traditional wooden launches and was one of only 15 vessels taking park in the entire 1000-strong pageant that is listed on the National Historic Fleet.

Queen of the Lake is based at Ambleside and is in daily service from April to October, carrying passengers on Windermere, England’s longest lake.