The Queen's Diamond Jubilee pageant will be like the "Notting Hill Carnival on the Thames", according to the boss of one of the river's oldest businesses.
Turks Launches, founded in 1710 and based in Kingston, has two paddle steamers taking part in the June 3 pageant.
Owner Richard Turk said both Yarmouth Belle and New Southern Belle have been hired out for corporate entertainment.
Applications have been made for about 3,000 boats to take part in the 1,000-vessel pageant and Mr Turk said: "As someone who has grown up, worked and lived on the river, I think it's a fantastic way to showcase London. It will probably be one of the biggest events the city has ever seen - bigger than last year's royal wedding.
"There will be millions of people lining the Thames. It's like a river carnival to rival Notting Hill."
Mr Turk's great grandfather, grandfather and father were all Royal Watermen. His brother John is now a member of the 24-strong group, who are present at any state occasion on the Thames.
Mr Turk said: "Coming from a river family, I'm very proud to be in this. It's a wonderful, unique event that I think all Londoners
are going to get involved in."
