Card of the Day: The Royal State Barge

We’re almost out of Cigarette Cards. I didn’t think I’d ever run out. But, there are only three more after this. Not to worry, however, I’ve got something nifty in the works to take the place of the “Card of the Day” feature (until I find some more cards). I think you’ll be surprised.
Nevertheless, let’s continue our look at the Churchman Cigarette Co.’s 1935 Silver Jubilee series with this card depicting the Royal State Barge. This particular vessel is not in use anymore. So, it may seem a bit strange to us. In short, a royal barge is a ceremonial barge that is employed by the monarch for processions and transport on the Thames.

The Thames was a regular thoroughfare for the Monarch until the middle of the Nineteenth Century, especially on state occasions or between the Royal Palaces of Windsor, Westminster, Hampton Court, Greenwich and the Tower of London.

In case you can’t picture Queen Elizabeth II sailing down the Thames clutching her ubiquitous blue handbag, not to worry. You won’t see her in such a barge. There is currently no State Barge, but the Royal Nore, which is owned and maintained by the Port of London Authority, is used whenever a member of the Royal Family travels on the river Thames for an official event. This is not something that happens too often.

When the Queen is onboard a barge or Nore, the Royal Standard and Regalia are displayed. Her Majesty is accompanied by her Bargemaster, along with eight Royal Watermen in full ceremonial dress. That’s got to be cozy. These men are/were known as Royal Watermen. The Queen still retains twenty-four Royal Watermen under The Queen’s Bargemaster, one of the most ancient appointments in the Royal Household.