HMS Endurance leaves Portsmouth Harbour with the Queen onboard to start to Royal Fleet Review
HM the Queen and Prince Philip reviewing the Fleet from on board HMS Endurance, International Fleet Review, 28 June 2005
HMS Endurance leaves Portsmouth Harbour with the Queen onboard to start to Royal Fleet Review

Over 170 ships from 35 countries took part in the 43rd International Fleet Review today, 28 June 2005.

Her Majesty The Queen, sailing aboard HMS Endurance, conducted the Review, which involved a mixture of military, merchant and historic tall ships as well as helicopter and aircraft flypasts.  The Review is the biggest ever of its kind.

The ships were assembling in the Solent for several days prior to the Review.  A total of 67 UK Warships and Auxiliaries, 43 foreign Warships, 29 Tall Ships, 15 foreign government yachts and 30 merchant or private vessels made up the Review.

It is estimated that between 25-30,000 sailors were on board the ships in the anchorage.  In addition up to 5,000 yachts were expected to be in position in the Solent.

Royal Navy spokesman, Lieutenant Commander Mike Souter, explained what it was like to be part of such a remarkable spectacle:

"I don’t think there will ever be another gathering quite like this.  Having been involved in the 1977 Review as a broadcaster it is breathtaking to be here for this extraordinary event."

The first Fleet Review was conducted in 1346 by Edward III prior to sailing for the war with France.  More recent reviews included May 1944 before D-Day and June 1977 for the Silver Jubilee.

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