Spirit of Chartwell goes overseas less than three months after Jubilee
The Queen’s royal barge has
been sold abroad less than three months after taking part in the Thames Diamond
Jubilee Pageant. Spirit of Chartwell received a multi-million pound makeover
prior to carrying HM The Queen, Prince Philip, and other senior members of the
Royal Family during the parade on 3 June.
The 64-metre long luxury
river cruise vessel, owned by Magna Carta Steamship Company, was given an
ornate gilded bow and outfitted in red, gold and purple in the style of a luxury
Pullman express train to fit her for her temporary royal role. She was given
special permission to fly the white ensign while the Royal party was aboard, a
privilege usually available only to vessels of the Royal Navy or the Royal
Yacht Squadron.
Sprit of Chartwell was towed
from Ramsgate this week bound for her new home in Portugal where she will be
refitted to become a river cruise ship on the Douro River. Jill Gallard, the
British Ambassador to Portugal, welcomed the vessel’s imminent arrival, saying,
“I am delighted to hear that the Royal Barge used in the Queen’s Jubilee
flotilla will be finding a long-term home in Portugal”.
