That’s because this 61-feet Nelson-hulled Scania-powered launch, owned by the Port of London Authority and operated on its behalf by Woods River Cruises, enjoys the privilege of serving as the Queen’s barge whenever State duties call.

Today, the Royal Nore’s duties are less onerous as members of the UK’s Royal Family take to the water less frequently than their predecessors. But that is not to say the vessel’s importance has diminished and on ceremonial occasions she plays just as important a role as ever; one recent addition to her guest list, for example, being Russia’s President Putin.

Built in 1971 by Tough Brothers of Teddington, West London, the Royal Nore succeeded the Nore, a vessel of many years service which first welcomed the new Queen Elizabeth II aboard just ten days after her coronation in 1953. The current day launch was originally also called Nore, (the name is taken from the Nore anchorage, which lies between the Rivers Thames and Medway), the ‘Royal’ being added with the Queen’s permission following the Silver Jubilee celebrations of 1977. 

Thirty-five years after entering service, the time came to refit the Royal Nore.

“As a much-loved vessel of considerable significance, we decided that it was necessary to give Royal Nore a new lease of life,” comments Alan Cartwright, Marine Engineer for the Port of London Authority. “That involved removing and reconstructing the superstructure, completely opening up and renovating the hull, replacing her two diesel engines and all the other machinery and electrical systems.

“We took the decision to re-equip with Scania engines. That was because we have many years experience of running them within our fleet of pilot boats and harbour launches and know them to have the best reliability and longevity of all the engines we operate. It goes without saying that for the Queen’s barge, nothing less than the very best of reliability will do!

“We selected DI12 units rated at 400 horsepower (294kW). These give the Royal Nore a speed of 15 knots, slightly more than her previous engines delivered. Also important to us is that fuel-burn and emissions are significantly lower and cleaner than the original engines.”

In addition to her State role, the Royal Nore fulfils two other functions. Firstly, she is used as an inspection launch by Port of London Authority board members when visiting the new investment locations on the river that are being developed for improving port activity. Secondly, she is used for VIP entertaining, which is where Woods River Cruises expertise is so important.

Formed in 1947, Woods River Cruises is one of the River Thames’ leading catering and hospitality companies with its own fleet of prestige river cruisers. As such, the firm was ideally placed to provide a service from the Port of London Authority’s point-of-view. And then, there’s the Waterman connection…

Woods River Cruises is today run by Managing Director Tom Woods, a fifth generation Thames Waterman. His father Alan, the company founder and Chairman, is a past Master of the Company of Watermen and Lightermen. To join this ancient organisation candidates have to complete a five-year apprenticeship before applying to the Lord Chamberlain’s office for membership – and even then nothing is guaranteed.

The best way to help become a Waterman is by winning the annual Doggett’s Coat and Badge sculling race, the world’s oldest rowing contest. Tom Woods achieved this in 1999, as did Paul Prentice, a Captain with Woods River Cruises who regularly skippers the Royal Nore, in 1976.

Subsequent to gaining his place in the Company of Watermen and Lightermen, Paul went on to become a Royal Waterman. “There are only 18 of us and as such it’s a great honour,” he explains. “As a Royal Waterman, we wear the regalia and stand guard on the boat when the Queen comes aboard. For me, being a Waterman is an integral part of my long association with the River Thames and one of which I am extremely proud.”

Below decks, another long-term servant of the river, Engineer Mick Hamblin, looks after the power units. “There’s no problem there,” he says. “The Scania DI12s are robust, well-designed and very easy to work on. Their reliability is excellent and maintaining them – even in the cramped conditions of the Royal Nore’s engine room – is a very straightforward process indeed. I’ve no doubt they are the right choice for this boat, they are engines we can depend upon.”

Back in the wheelhouse, Paul Prentice reports the Royal Nore is a responsive launch, with a lively performance in the water. “She’s a delightful boat, a joy to operate,” he says. “And from our passengers’ perspective, I’m sure that a journey through the heart of London aboard her leaves no-one disappointed.

“As I see it, the Royal Nore is carrying on a long and historic tradition on the Thames. As such, she’s something of a national treasure. What more can I say? – except that it’s a great privilege and pleasure to captain her!”