HASLEMERE’s Royal School received a special invitation to attend the largest ever street party on Sunday, held in The Mall, to celebrate the Queen’s patronage of more than 600 charities and organisations.

Most of the tickets for The Patron’s Lunch for 10,000 guests, were made available to the 600 or more ‘Patron’s Organisations’, including The Royal School. The event was a very special opportunity for organisations with a link to the Queen to publicly thank her and to celebrate the work they do.

Christopher Chapman, a former parent and governor of the school, and his wife, Vanessa, attended the event on behalf of The Royal. “We were very honoured to represent The Royal School,” he said.

“I was particularly pleased to find the banner for the school among 600 others in the parade.  The young Royals worked the crowd like real troupers. I had a chat with Peter Philips who organised the whole day.

“The M&S hamper was amazing. They had thought of everything from Factor 30 (not needed) to a cloth to wipe the rain off the seats (needed). In addition, we were presented with (much-needed) ponchos, and commemorative cups and saucers. Free ice creams and tea were provided all day, so our needs were amply met.

“The event was huge fun and definitely not a day to grumble about the weather. In fact, the sun came out just after the Queen went past. It really was a unique day.”