Big lunch date with the Queen

The rain didn’t dampen the spirits of Michael and Edith Turner who attended the Queen’s 90th celebrations at Pall Mall.

The Penwortham couple were invited to the Patron’s Lunch at St James’s Park to represent the Lancashire Royal British Legion.

The 81-year-old, who has been chairman of the Lostock Hall branch for more than 30 years, said: “I cannot describe how it was - it was out of this world, with everyone together and singing. It was just one big party.

“It did rain hard, but by lunchtime there was an announcement on the Tannoy to take our ponchos off for the BBC and then it stopped raining and the sun came out. All the young Royals were there. Prince Edwards and his family came out and spoke to everybody. His daughter, Lady Louise Windsor, who is only 12, also talked to the crowds. She was beautiful.

“He asked us where we came from and who we represent. We were with other members of the Royal British Legion. We also saw the Queen.

“It was a fantastic day and we were allowed to keep the picnic baskets we were given, which we shall treasure as a great memory.”