Fleet reviews can also include ships from other navies.
A few national navies continue to hold the reviews.
The International Fleet Review in 2005 was the most recent Royal Navy review, continuing a tradition going back to the 15th century. It took place on 28 June, as part of the Trafalgar 200 celebrations to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.
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The Queen reviewed the fleet from on board the Royal Navy's Antarctic Patrol Vessel HMS Endurance. Huge crowds gathered along Southsea Common and Gosport Sea Front, to witness the largest gathering of naval vessels in the Solent since the Queen's Silver Jubilee Fleet Review in 1977.
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5. Memories of Portsmouth Fleet Review
The royal yacht Surprise passing the Swedish cruiser Gota Lejon at the 1953 Spithead coronation fleet review Photo: The News archive
6. Memories of Portsmouth Fleet Review
The royal yacht Victoria and Albert at the start of the jubilee fleet review at Spithead in July 1935. Photo: The News archive
7. Memories of Portsmouth Fleet Review
HMS Nelson takes centre stage at the 1937 Fleet Review. Picture: Evening News/Mike Nolan Collection Photo: The News archive
8. Memories of Portsmouth Fleet Review
Trafalgar 200 International Fleet Review aboard HMS Endurance - flotilla of small ships, tall ships and a Royal Navy vessel crowd the harbour in front of the Spinnaker Tower Picture: Jonathan Brady Photo: The News archive