Royal barges

Some courts own and operate royal yachts - usually high sea ships for
prolonged travel. But what about royal barges?

Joseph McMillan...

A photograph of a Dutch royal barge in the Maritime Museum in Amsterdam
no longer in service, but a splendid thing to see.

Joseph McMillan...

And of a Danish royal barge in the Naval Museum in Copenhagen, at

Joseph McMillan...

And of Queen Elizabeth II arriving at Stockholm in the Swedish royal

Joseph McMillan...

Three photos of the old Portuguese royal barge linked from thumbnails
the Portugal series.

Howard...

There is also an antique gondola in the Doges' palace in Venice bearing
the coat of arms of the Royal House of Savoy though this photo does not

Derek Howard

Joseph McMillan

The royalty surely needs small vessels to travel in sheltered harbours,
rivers and canals. And the structure of the accommodation has to ensure
that they do not only see, but are seen.

Of old, barges needed to be rowed. Of course, rowing is still possible.
But do any courts own barges powered by engines? Suitable for the
royals to travel in state?

heydel...

The (UK) Queen's Royal Barge is currently positioned next to the Royal
Yacht Britannia, in the historic port of Leith, Edinburgh. It was
built by Camper Nicholson in 1964 as a replacement for the previous
Barge, which had belonged to the Royal Yacht Victoria and Albert III
(Britannia's predecessor). Powered by two 125 horsepower engines, the
Barge measures 12.5 metres in length and can achieve a max speed of 20
knots. The Barge is fitted with a special air-conditioned cabin which
made it possible for the Royal Family to be seen upon their approach to
the shore.

Aside from the Royal Barge, Britannia also carried an "activity boat"
for the Royal Family's use during holidays.

heydel...

This is a very real issue for those who navigate the Thames. The
watermen feel that the Thames will become far more dangerous once the
European regulations take effect as it will result in far less
experienced people taking control of vessels.

The Company of Watermen and Lightermen (established by Act of
Parliament in 1555), which, along with the Parish Clerks, is a city
company without grant of livery, still operates an apprenticeship
scheme for those interested in working on the Thames:

Rafal Heydel-Mankoo

Rafal Heydel-Mankoo

rc...

I seem to remember when the film A Man For All Seasons was being made
Queen Elizabeth gave permission to use the Royal Barges for the scenes
of Henry VIII traveling on the Thames. Am I right or just getting
dotty?

Turenne...

You may not be as dotty as you think.

You may also be thinking of the skiffs used for 'Swan Upping'. Under a
Royal Charter of the 15th century, the Vintners' Company and the Dyers'
Company, two Livery Companies of the City of London, are entitled to
share in the Sovereign's ownership of swans on the Thames. They conduct
the census through a process of ringing the swan's feet. Some of the
skiffs are quite fancy and could in some circumstances be regarded as
barges.

I believe that there is a 42 ft current or former Royal Barge called
'Jublilant' but am not sure whether it is in the Queen's ownership
these days.

Richard Lichten

rc...

Nope, I wasn't thinking of the skiffs, but no matter. According to the
article, there was a barge in Man For All Seasons if it was the
Queen's dosen't matter.
I have to say now that going down the Thames is a wonderful experience.
When I was in England last summer, I took a boat from Kingston to
Hampton Court and it was an experience I will never forget.

Tom Wilding / Stephen Stillwell...

Last time I looked at it Jane's All The World's Ships had the various royal
vessels included as they are all technically part of the Navy of whatever
country. I do not remember a barge, but I do remember a 50 foot cabin
cruiser.