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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9. Memories of Portsmouth Fleet Review
Thirty-five submarines tied up at Fort Blockhouse, Gosport, for the fleet review in 1908. Picture: Costen.co.uk Photo: The News archive
10. Memories of Portsmouth Fleet Review
International Fleet Review , Trafalgar 200 celebrations in June 2005 in Gosport photographed from the air. Picture Paul Jacobs (053052-24) Photo: The News archive
11. Memories of Portsmouth Fleet Review
A view over the 1977 Review Fleet with helicopter fly past. Photo: The News archive
12. Memories of Portsmouth Fleet Review
Royal Yacht Britannia leaves Portsmouth Harbour to commence the review of the fleet 50th D Day anniversary 6th June 1994. The News PP275 Photo: The News archive