The Queen's "Floating Coach" passes along the Thames. A general view of the glass-topped Royal Barge passing along the River Thames after leaving Tower Pier this afternoon. Her Majesty The Queen, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh and other members of the Royal Family, today drove in State to the Guildhall, to attend the Corporation of London luncheon. Part of the return journey to Buckingham Palace - from Tower Pier to Westminster - was made along the River Thames in the Royal Barge. June 12, 1953. (Photo by Fox Photos).