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Naval Ceremony and Pageantry
Naval Ceremony and Pageantry
The Royal Navy held most of their fleet reviews at Spithead, Portsmouth. Traditionally the reigning monarch would inspect the fleet as it prepared to go to war. During the 20th century, however, the fleet review took on anincreasing ceremonial role.
Reviews of the fleet were spectacular, showing off the Navy’s power at times of international crisis, or marking a special celebration such as the crowning of a new King or Queen.
In 1905 Portsmouth held a review to celebrate the visit of the French Fleet. The visit marked the signing of the Entente Cordiale in 1904 – an agreement between Britain and France marking the end of centuries of rivalry.
The Royal Navy mounted the largest ever fleet review in secret. King George VI reviewed the D Day invasion fleet in May 1944. There were over 800 vessels present from capital ships to small minesweepers and landing crafts.
Fleet Reviews of the 20th century held at Spithead listed by Monarch –
Edward VII
1902 Coronation of King Edward VII
1905 Celebration the visit of the French Fleet
1907 Review of the Home Fleet
1909 Review of the Home and Atlantic Fleets
George V
1911 Coronation of King George V
1914 Mobilisation of the Fleet prior to World War One
1924 Presentation of the Colours
1935 Silver Jubilee of King George V – 25 years as King
George VI
1937 Coronation of King George VI
1939 Mobilisation of the Fleet prior to World War Two
1944 Mobilisation for the D-Day Invasion
Elizabeth II
1953 Coronation of Queen Elizabeth I
1969 NATO 20th anniversary review – 61 ships from 12 NATO countries.
1977 Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth – 25 years as Queen
