Description: Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee was marked by many celebrations for the 60 years of her reign, including, on 22 June 1897, a progress to St Paul's Cathedral, where a short service of thanksgiving was held outside the building, as the Queen was too lame to manage the steps. Eleven colonial Prime Ministers were in attendance. The Queen's progress continued via the Mansion House across London Bridge and through South London, before returning over Westminster Bridge, past the Houses of Parliament to Buckingham Palace. In her journal the Queen wrote: 'No one ever, I believe, has met with such an ovation as was given to me, passing through those 6 miles of streets, The cheering was quite deafening and every face seemed to be filled with real joy. I was much moved and gratified.' The event was celebrated throughout the country with town centres decorated with flags and celebration arches.