Art UK has updated its cookies policy. By using this website you are agreeing to the use of cookies. To find out more read our updated Use of Cookies policy and our updated Privacy policy.

Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee Review at Spithead, 26 June 1897

Image credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London

How you can use this image

This image can be used for non-commercial research or private study purposes, and other UK exceptions to copyright permitted to users based in the United Kingdom under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised. Any other type of use will need to be cleared with the rights holder(s).

Review the copyright credit lines that are located underneath the image, as these indicate who manages the copyright (©) within the artwork, and the photographic rights within the image.

The collection that owns the artwork may have more information on their own website about permitted uses and image licensing options.

Review our guidance pages which explain how you can reuse images, how to credit an image and how to find images in the public domain or with a Creative Commons licence available.

Notes

Add or edit a note on this artwork that only you can see. You can find notes again by going to the ‘Notes’ section of your account.

At her Diamond Jubilee Review at Spithead on 26th June 1897, Queen Victoria was represented by the Prince of Wales. He was in the Royal yacht 'Victoria and Albert II', which can be seen to the right, flying the Royal standard. The Prince is reviewing the fleet including 21 battleships and 56 cruisers. On the left the 'Renown' leads the line of the Majestic-class battleships. Contemporary accounts state that when the Royal yacht reached the 'Renown', she anchored and made a signal that the Prince desired on board the presence of all the flag-officers and their immediate members of staffs. A steam-launch, bearing a huge flag at the stern, left the side of each flag-ship, thus, the Prince was able to thank the officers for their part in the event. This steam-launch with its large flag is visible immediately in front of the Royal yacht. On the right are the Russian cruiser 'Rossiya', while the white-hulled American cruiser 'Brooklyn', newly completed, can be seen to the right and rear of the Royal yacht. The Royal yacht also flies the Admiralty fouled anchor flag, and the ships in the review are depicted dressed overall. The review was seen as an opportunity to demonstrate the importance of the nation's sea power and to underscore the significance and responsibilities of Empire. The inclusion of so many battleships was alone seen as confirmation of this supremacy. The masts of the battleships can be seen on the left. Every vessel, as the Prince came abreast of her, played 'God Save the Queen'.

National Maritime Museum

London

Title

Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee Review at Spithead, 26 June 1897

Date

1898

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 94 x W 185.4 cm

Accession number

BHC0645

Work type

Painting

Tags

See a tag that’s incorrect or offensive? Challenge it and notify Art UK.

Help improve Art UK. Tag artworks and verify existing tags by joining the Tagger community.

National Maritime Museum

Romney Road, Greenwich, London, Greater London SE10 9NF England

This venue is open to the public. Not all artworks are on display. If you want to see a particular artwork, please contact the venue.
View venue