Queen Diamond Jubilee tour arrives in London

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee tour of the UK arrives in London today where she will see world renowned British art from throughout her reign.

Paintings by Lucian Freud, Francis Bacon and David Hockney will be on display along with a contemporary piece by Damien Hirst when the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh visit a 17th century house.

The royal couple will view the art in Redbridge borough, the first in a three-leg visit to London boroughs which will also take them to Waltham Forest and Harrow.

At Redbridge’s historic Valentines Mansion in Ilford, the royal couple will see the artwork at the London Pride art and design festival before she opens the new dry garden, a colourful display designed for her Diamond Jubilee in the grounds of the building.

Later the Queen and Duke will travel to Walthamstow Assembly Hall for a silver service lunch prepared by Indian celebrity chef Cyrus Todiwala assisted by cooks from top London hotels and served by students from catering courses from across the capital.

High achievers from north London have been invited to the reception including business champions, community workers and religious leaders who will be joined by mayors from the 33 London boroughs.

In Harrow the royal couple will travel to the Krishna Avanti School where they will view dance and musical performances by school children and local groups.

They will also meet civic and community leaders and view the 60 faces photographic exhibition.