The first images of the design of the royal barge that will carry the Queen of England down the Thames during her Diamond Jubilee celebrations next year have been published. With no disrespect implied to the Queen, I am a bit disappointed. At first glance the design appears to be a tarted-up excursion boat. On second glance, that is exactly what it is. Apparently the high-end Thames excursion boat, the Spirit of Chartwell, has been donated for the purpose and is getting a royal makeover with a new color scheme, drapes and lots of gold leaf and bric-a-brac.

Queen’s Diamond Jubilee royal barge design unveiled

It appears that earlier designs may have been a bit more traditional.  A Youtube video from what appears to be an earlier presentation from last April shows a smaller barge with a more 18th century feel to it.

BBC News – Queen’s Diamond Jubilee barge design unveiled

Thanks to Alaric Bond for passing the story along.