The Duchess of Cornwall has led the final day of Platinum Jubilee celebrations with the Big Jubilee Lunch initiative taking place throughout the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, and was on hand for the flagship Big Jubilee Lunch at The Oval in London.
Camilla and Prince Charles joined guests at The Oval, including the Platinum Champions—70 volunteers chosen by the Royal Voluntary Service through the Platinum Champions Awards—and charity partners like the Duchy of Cornwall, The Prince’s Trust, The Prince’s Foundation, Age UK, and celebrity ambassadors.
Camilla was on hand as the Platinum Champions were awarded for their service, and said, “Congratulations to all our Platinum Champions – and my heartfelt thanks to you and to the millions of volunteers across the UK who give their time and talents so generously.”
The royal couple also inspected an elaborate feltwork centrepiece by artist Lucy Sparrow, which depicts foods associated with the Big Jubilee Lunch, including the Platinum Pudding, scotch eggs and fruit platters. It will go on display at Buckingham Palace later this year.
Before the Platinum Jubilee weekend began, Camilla sent a message to everyone attending a Big Jubilee Lunch, writing: “As the proud Patron of the Big Jubilee Lunch, I wanted to send my warmest good wishes to the millions of people across the UK and the Commonwealth who will be joining their neighbours to share food, friendship and fun this weekend, as we celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty The Queen.
“I very much hope that you will all have a wonderful time, that the sun will shine brightly, that the food will be delicious and that, wherever we may be this weekend, the spirit of community will bind us all together!”
While Prince Charles and Camilla were at The Oval in London, in Windsor, the Earl and Countess of Wessex attended a Big Jubilee Lunch on the Long Walk at Windsor Castle. The Cambridges meanwhile prepared cakes at their home ahead of their visit to Wales yesterday, and dropped them off for the Big Jubilee Lunch there. Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie attended a Big Jubilee Lunch at Paddington Recreation Ground in Westminster.
According to Clarence House, over 85,000 people will have enjoyed Big Jubilee Lunches over the weekend, with 600 international lunches planned in countries including Canada, South Africa, and Switzerland.
