The QE2 makes her final departure from Southampton en-route to retirement in Dubai. Her arrival into Southampton was delayed when she briefly grounded on the Brambles sandbanks on her way up Southampton Water. She was freed with the assistance of tugs and made her way cautiously up Southampton Water and finally docked at around 9 am.
During the day crowds gathered at every vantage point to see her for the final time. Numerous craft of all sizes carried admirers across to view the QE2. Her final day in Southampton was also Remembrance Day, and at 11 am two vintage aircraft scattered a million poppies above the ship, a poignant reminder of the sacrifice of so many.
Later, at 2.45pm, a Harrier jet from No 1 (F) Squadron saluted the QE2 with a traditional Harrier "bow", a tribute to her role in the Falklands War. As darkness descended on Southampton the QE2 was readied for her final voyage. As she was pulled by tugs from the dockside astern towards Mayflower Park a spectacular fireworks show marked Southampton's farwell to the QE2.
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