The event was part of the Kingston 2025 River Cultures Festival, celebrating the central role the river has played throughout history in the communities and culture of the Royal Borough.
His Royal Highness took a salute from the 70-strong procession of vessels which snaked its way up the Thames from Raven’s Ait in Surbiton to Canbury Gardens in Kingston. One of the biggest flotillas to sail this stretch of the Thames, crafts of all shapes and sizes from the Saxon era to modern day were crewed by sailors in costume, representing many different parts of the culture of Kingston.
Before taking the royal salute, The Duke officially opened the new Athelstan Gardens on Queen’s Promenade, planting a tree and unveiling a commemorative plaque. His Royal Highness met representatives from the Friends of Queens Promenade, who designed and created the garden.
The Duke also greeted key members of the community including Kingston Council Leader Cllr Andreas Kirsch, the Mayor of Kingston, and representatives from Community Brain, Citizen Zoo, Namaste Kingston and Global Heritage Bengal and children from the Rewilding Rangers group.
Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kingston Cllr Noel Hadjimichael said:
“It was a great honour to welcome His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh to Kingston today for this fantastic River Cultures Festival. The event is part of the Kingston 2025 celebrations, marking the borough’s special royal connections as the site of the coronation of Athelstan, first King of England.
“The spectacular flotilla of over 70 boats sailing down the Thames in front of The Duke was incredible. The river is so well loved by our communities and an integral part of the development of Kingston - this magnificent event and the attendance of our very special royal visitor is a wonderful way to honour it.”
The River Cultures Festival continued following the departure of His Royal Highness, with local crews taking part in thrilling river races between Raven’s Ait and Kingston Bridge.
While on land at Canbury Gardens crowds enjoyed community stalls, delicious food, open air music at the bandstand, children’s theatre performances and an interactive maypole workshop.
Kingston 2025 is a major 6-month cultural celebration of past, present and future in the Royal Borough of Kingston. It marks the 1100 anniversary of the coronation of King Athelstan in the heart of the borough.