New Barge to be used for Royal Progress Down the Thames:The New Royal Barge at speed during trails on Southampton water today.Official trails of the New Royal Barge, in which the King and Queen will travel down the River Thames in London from Westminster Bridge to Greenwich to open the National Maritime Museum on April 27, were carried out here today. The Barge, of the type used by commanders-in-chief of the navy, is a 65ft craft with powerful engines giving a speed of 26 knots. The progress down the Thames will be the first made by Royalty for 100 years. April 26, 1937. (Photo by Associated Press Photo).