Brits throw 12million parties as Charles and Camilla lead celebrations on final day of Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
MILLIONS are gathering for patriotic street parties, picnics and BBQs today as the Platinum Jubilee celebrations draw to a close.
Prince Charles and Camilla led the festivities at a Big Jubilee Lunch in the capital, one of 85,000 being held across the UK.
The Duchess of Cornwall, patron of the Big Lunch, joined the future king at a flagship feast at The Oval cricket ground in south London.
Elsewhere, the Earl and Countess of Wessex are meeting people at a "Long Table" down on the Long Walk leading up to Windsor Castle.
They hope to break the world record for the longest dinner table by assembling 488 outside the iconic Berkshire residence.
The royals have vowed to share friendship, food and fun at the special get-togethers to celebrate the Queen's 70-year reign.
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The Met Office has warned of heavy rain and thunderstorms - but jubilant Brits won't let some wet weather dampen their spirits.
More than 85,000 people have signed up to host Big Jubilee Lunches, the official community celebration for the Platinum Jubilee.
And an estimated 12 million are expected to join in the fun.
The Platinum Pudding, Scotch eggs and fruit platters feature on a six-metre felt creation by artist Lucy Sparrow, which is to be viewed by Charles and Camilla at The Oval.
It will then be given pride of place in the Grand Entrance of Buckingham Palace later this year.
Members of the local community, 70 volunteers who have been recognised as Platinum Champions through the Royal Voluntary Service's Platinum Champions Awards, celebrity ambassadors and various charity representatives are among the guests.
The couple, dressed in a striped suit emerald green embroidered dress coat by Fiona Clare, also presented the Platinum Champions with certificates and pins, before cutting a Big Jubilee Lunch cake.
Singer Elaine Paige, who was at the event, said: "I think that they are having a marvellous time.
"He seemed very relaxed and full of good humour."
Charles and Camilla's attendance follows his affectionate tribute to the monarch, 96, during last night's Party at the Palace.
The prince spoke movingly about the Queen, calling her "Mummy" and describing how "you laugh and cry with us and, most importantly, you have been there for us"
He spoke just minutes after his son, the Duke of Cambridge, who attended the concert with wife Kate and kids George and Charlotte, took to the stage to speak about the Queen's service.
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Also hosting a special Jubilee lunch today are David and Victoria Beckham.
The A-list couple will celebrate people who have made incredible contributions to their communities.
The Beckham's Big Jubilee Lunch will air as part of the Platinum Pageant on BBC One this afternoon - a colourful street parade.
As well as street parties in London, the nation will be hosting splendid Afternoon teas, including in Her Majesty's opulent Garden of England, Kent, where the will lead the exquisite celebrations.
With its stylish decor and sublime atmosphere, visitors to the newly refurbished Best Western Burlington toasted the Queen with signature cocktails from local distilleries and vineyards.
In London, royal revellers have already lined The Mall ahead of the spectacle in the hope it will be capped by an appearance by the Queen.
It is not yet known whether she will be present on the fourth and final day of the long weekend after she pulled out of events on days two and three.
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Her Majesty did not attend yesterday's Epsom Derby Day, opting instead to watch it on TV from Windsor Castle in her "comfy clothes".
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She also skipped Friday's Service of Thanksgiving after experiencing "discomfort" during Trooping the Colour on Thursday.