Diamond Jubilee 2012: Three-bow salute from the queens of Cunard’s ocean fleet

CRUISE company Cunard sailed its three ships into port together for the first time yesterday to mark the Diamond Jubilee.

Queen Victoria, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth sailed in single file into Southampton, Hampshire, soon after dawn, with a fire tug and a flotilla of small boats welcoming them in.

As Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria took a bow-to-bow position close to City Terminal, Queen Mary 2 passed each ship in turn, creating a three-bow formation, as flag-waving crew lined the foredecks, and the ships’ whistles sounded in salute.

The nautical show kicked off a day of celebrations in the city to celebrate the Queen’s 60 years on the throne with live bands and entertainment.

However, bad weather scuppered plans for a Red Arrows display.