Queen Camilla arrived at Eden Dock today to the sounds of the London Docklands Singers, marking the start of celebrations for The Big Lunch initiative ahead of its main weekend on 7-8 June.
The Queen was welcomed by Peter Stewart, Chief Purpose Officer at the Eden Project, and Lindsey Brummitt, the Programme Director responsible for delivering The Big Lunch.
The visit highlighted the charity's remarkable growth since its inception in 2009, transforming into an annual UK celebration that strengthens community bonds.
The Queen, who has served as Patron of the organisation since 2013, came to showcase how the initiative brings people together whilst fostering connections with nature.
Queen Camilla arrived at Eden Dock today to the sounds of the London Docklands Singers, marking the start of celebrations for The Big Lunch initiative ahead of its main weekend on 7-8 June.
PA
The Big Lunch has grown into a nationwide phenomenon, with 10 million people participating in 2024 alone. Of these participants, 617,000 volunteered their time to help organise events across the country.
The initiative brings diverse communities together through street parties, park picnics, garden barbecues, and gatherings in community halls, schools, faith centres and workplaces.
Research shows that 83% of organisers feel a greater sense of belonging, whilst 71% of participants report that taking part helped them feel less lonely.
The charity has also played a significant role in marking historic occasions, with The Big Jubilee Lunch and Coronation Big Lunch bringing together 30 million people for community celebrations.
The Queen, who has served as Patron of the organisation since 2013, came to showcase how the initiative brings people together whilst fostering connections with nature.
PA
During her visit, the Queen engaged with children from Mulberry Primary School who participated in a nature-inspired craft activity designed by Eden Project's education team.
The activity encourages young people to connect with nature, aligning with findings that 80% of Big Lunch participants feel more connected to the natural world.
Accompanied by charity ambassador Angela Rippon, the Queen met finalists from The Big Lunch Recipe Search competition.
The contest aimed to discover shareable dishes that would inspire communities to cook and eat together during Big Lunch Weekend.
To announce the competition winner, Camilla cut a special cake featuring depictions of the finalists' dishes, symbolically encouraging the nation to "tuck in" at celebrations across the country.
The Queen joined 40 guests for a community lunch, where she heard personal accounts of The Big Lunch's positive impact on Tower Hamlets residents.
The gathering included representatives from local charities, social enterprises and community groups such as the Felix Project, East End Community Foundation and Stepney City Farm.
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The Queen joined 40 guests for a community lunch, where she heard personal accounts of The Big Lunch's positive impact on Tower Hamlets residents.
PA
Eden Dock itself exemplifies best practice in urban environmental design, enhancing biodiversity whilst creating spaces for people to connect with nature.
This aligns with The Big Lunch's broader impact, as 79% of participants say the experience prompts them to actively support nature.
The visit concluded with Her Majesty joining guests for a group photograph, capturing the spirit of community connection that The Big Lunch fosters nationwide.
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