Hundreds of people lined the banks of the River Mersey to watch a special maritime tribute to the Queen.
Around 20 vessels gathered in front of the Three Graces - the Royal Liver Building, the Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building - this afternoon (Wednesday), in what was described as a historic moment for the city. The vessels sounded their horns in unison in memory of the late monarch, with bagpipes marking the start and end of the minute-long display.
On the Wirral side of the water people turned up with deckchairs to watch the tribute, while others brought binoculars and a union jack flag. Hundreds of people also gathered along Liverpool's waterfront as the river tugs sprayed water from their fire cannons.
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The Disney Magic cruise ship was among the vessels to take part in the spectacle after arriving in Liverpool earlier today. RNLI Lifeboats, river tugs, Mersey Ferries and pilot launch boats also took part in the formation at 2pm, which was co-ordinated by the city council’s Cruise Liverpool team.
The maritime tribute comes just days before Queen Elizabeth's state funeral on Monday, September 19, which will be a bank holiday.
Speaking before today's tribute, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, said: "This is going to be a really special moment for the public to come together on the banks of the River Mersey to observe a unique tribute to the incredible life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II with a magnificent maritime spectacle.
"Our region’s maritime links to the Royal Family run deep, with both Her Majesty and royal vessels having visited the Port of Liverpool several times throughout her 70-year reign. This is a chance for members of the seafaring community, local residents, and visitors, to pay their respects on our iconic waterfront in the way that only our region can do best."
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