A ROYAL SURPRISE AT THE BIG LUNCH

AS COMMUNITIES GATHERED TO CELEBRATE THE KING, SOME VERY SPECIAL GUESTS SHOWED UP TO JOIN IN

- LESLEY JONES

After a rainy coronation day, the sun thankfully shone on most of us for The Big Lunch, when Britain took to the streets to celebrate with street parties and community get-togethers.

Their Majesties hoped the event would provide an opportunity to spend time and celebrate with friends, families and communities across the United Kingdom, the Realms and the Commonwealth.”

And what a right royal knees up it turned out to be, with senior members of the royal family attending events across the country to lend their support.

As ever, all eyes were on the Prince and Princess of Wales, who unexpectedly turned up in Windsor to join in the town’s celebrations on The Long Walk, outside the castle.

In a contrast to the robes and regalia of the previous day, they went for a far more casual look, with Kate in a linen Reiss blazer and her trusty Veja trainers.

At one point, Kate spotted a little girl who was sobbing inconsolably in the crowd, appearing rather overwhelmed by all the fuss the royals were attracting. Would you like a hug?” Kate asked, before wrapping her arms around the child.

William kept partygoers up to date about his father's wellbeing after the coronation, joking, I think his neck hurt last night, having the crown... it does weigh a hell of a lot.”

Meanwhile, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh made a visit to Cranleigh in Surrey, where they greeted flag-waving crowds on the high street, shared a portion of coronation chicken pie, and headed to a craft fair in the village hall to chat with stall holders.