Duchess of Cambridge resplendent in red Alexander McQueen as she boards Royal barge for Queen's Diamond Jubilee river pageant

 The Duchess of Cambridge cut a swathe through the gloomy weather this afternoon as she stepped on to the Spirit of Chartwell wearing a vibrant scarlet Alexander McQueen dress. 

Topping off the bright outfit with a flamboyant red hat by Sylvia Fletcher from royal milliner James Lock & Co, Kate made sure the public lining the banks of the Thames would be able to spot her easily aboard the barge.

Fletcher designed the Duchess's distinctive red maple leaf hat worn on her tour of Canada last summer.