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3am 


heralded with a fire tug 

Off with a bang: Fireworks over the three Queens, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria as they set sail from Southampton for far shores


he huge fireworks display last night illuminates the sky near the three lit-up ships
As Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria took a bow-to-bow position close to City Terminal, Queen Mary 2 passed each ship in turn, creating a three-bow formation, as flag-waving crew lined the foredecks


But, despite the rain, there was still a spectacular fireworks show in the run-up to the ships leaving port at 11pm

Three works of art: Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and Queen Mary 2 at Southampton Docks at dawn yesterday

Wet Bank Holiday: In true British fashion, this spectator pops up her umbrella as she approaches the giant Queen Elizabeth

Speaking about the ships, a Cunard spokeswoman said: 'Yesterday was all about the opportunity for the three Cunard Queens to celebrate Her Majesty and her Diamond Jubilee

The finale to the celebrations comes as one million people descended on a rainy London to watch the Royal Family acknowledge their affection from the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
The Queen emerged to a deafening roar flanked by the Duke


Flying the flag: Flag-waving crew lined the foredecks of the Cunards Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth as the ships' whistles sounded in salute

boat lovers who wanted to catch a glimpse of the maneuvers

The nautical show kicked off a day of celebrations in the city to celebrate the Queen's 60 years on the throne with live bands and entertainment

To the strains of Land Of Hope And Glory, led by a military brass band, the patriotic crowd gathered in anticipation before she and the rest of the Royal Family emerged for the military fly past and feu de joie gun salute

In a nod to the typical British weather, the masses gave a rendition of Singing In The Rain and shouts of 'We want the Queen' rang out.

The Jubilee well-wishers surged along The Mall led by police on horseback in an extraordinary scene, and as ever, the drivel did little to dampen their spirits

If anybody was in any doubt that Britain’s love for the monarchy had waned, this national outpouring of pride would soon dispel that belief, in a week that witnessed a huge surge in popularity