MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

UK marks 200 years since Trafalgar

The Queen has set sail for the biggest peace-time fleet review in the history of the Royal Navy.

The International Fleet Review off Portsmouth marks the 200th anniversary of the death of Britain's greatest naval hero, Admiral Lord Nelson, at the Battle of Trafalgar.

Some 167 ships from 57 nations are taking part in the historic royal review which will also be witnessed by other senior members of the Royal Family, including the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall.

As the Queen, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, embarked in HMS Endurance, gunners on board the frigate HMS Chatham fired a 21-gun royal salute.

Endurance, an Antarctic survey vessel, is taking the Queen out to Spithead, in the Solent, where the armada of ships was waiting.

As well as warships, elegant tall ships under canvas sails, are also taking part.

Ships from France and Spain - the navies defeated by Nelson in 1805 - are also participating.

Other VIPs on board Endurance included Defence Secretary Dr John Reid and First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Alan West.

In a written message, the Queen said the presence of such a large international fleet was a mark of the high esteem in which Nelson continued to be held and of a special bond that existed between all mariners.

"Admiral Lord Nelson's supreme qualities of seamanship, leadership with humanity and courage in the face of danger are shared among our maritime community today. He could wish for no greater legacy," she said.