Despite overcast skies and the threat of a morning shower, hundreds of spectators turned out on Front Street to watch the pomp and circumstance of the annual Queen's Birthday Celebrations.

Even mother nature loves a parade -- keeping the showers at bay until the last military contingent and the host of dignitaries marched out of sight.

Governor Thorold Masefield led the traditional three cheers for the Queen after a thundering 21-gun salute and the rapid fire of the Regiment's rifles sounding off the traditional feu-de-joie -- the fire of joy.

The annual event began with standard military precision at 10 a.m., outside the Cabinet Building, where the Regiment formed up by companies.

Led by the popular Bermuda Regiment Band, units of the Regiment, the Police, Fire Service, Army and Sea Cadets marched into position before the VIP reviewing stand.

Mr. Masefield -- sporting full whites complete with plumed headgear and sword -- and his wife Jennifer arrived via an open horse-drawn carriage despite the threat of showers.

Others in attendance for this year's parade included the Premier Pamela Gordon, Opposition Leader Jennifer Smith and Government Ministers and Senators.

One American visitor said: "We don't have this back home, but I wish we did -- this was great.'' Another added: "Say what you like about the British, they do this kind of thing better than anyone else. It's great that a tiny place like Bermuda still does stuff like this.'' The Queen actually marked her official birthday on Saturday in London with the annual ceremony known as the Trooping of the Colours.

The British weather also gave the official birthday celebrations a break, as rain halted just as the Queen left Buckingham Palace for the annual ceremony at Horse Guards Parade.

The Queen's 72nd birthday was actually on April 21, but the official birthday of the reigning Monarch is always marked on the second Saturday in June in the UK.

In Bermuda, the Queen's symbolic presence is marked at the climax of the parade with the unfurling of the Royal Standard on top of the Flagpole.