The Queen is set to turn 90 next year and in honour of her milestone birthday, preparations are already being put in place. The monarch, who has reigned for 63 years, will be recognised for her service to the community with a quintessentially British celebration – a colourful "street party".
On Thursday it was announced that The Mall in St James' Park, London – the road leading up to Buckingham Palace – would be transformed into the biggest street party ever next year.
The event will take place on Sunday 12 June 2016.
The Queen's party is being held to recognise her service to over 600 charities and organisations
A total of 10,000 guests will be invited and will have the chance to enjoy hamper-style lunches positioned on tables stretching the full length of The Mall, with entertainment promised on the day. Union Jack flags will also be flown, as is customary with momentous events in the British royal family's calendar.
The Queen will be supported by her husband Prince Philip and her grandsons Princes William and Harry, alongside other members of the family.
Named The Patron's Lunch, Her Majesty's birthday party has been organised to celebrate her patronage of over 600 charities and organisations. The not-for-profit event will raise money for the newly created Patron's Fund, which supports the Queen's charities in the UK and the Commonwealth.
The majority of guests invited will be those who work closely with the charitable foundations, which cover 17 different sectors from children, young people and the elderly to the environment and armed services.
Picnic tables will line The Mall, while people around the UK are also being encouraged to hold their own street parties
Members of the public who don't secure a ticket can take part in the outdoor festivities by watching giant screens that will be erected in the Royal Parks, Green Park and St James' Park.
The idea of hosting a street party was created by Sports Entertainment Ltd, the company run by the Queen's eldest grandson Peter Phillips, who called the concept "fantastic".
He added: "As well as the main event on The Mall, we are also aiming to inspire as many people as we can to host street parties of their own for the direct benefit of their community. I hope that people in Britain and across the Commonwealth dust off their picnic tables and join us in celebrating this very special occasion."
