Amidst the celebrations for her 80th birthday today the Queen showed that she was aware that the nation’s thoughts might be drifting elsewhere, towards England’s chances in the World Cup.
Before tucking in to the smoked salmon starter the Queen recounted how the four-course meal was chosen by the British public in a recent BBC television programme.
“The Corporation’s generous hospitality is well-known, and I have no doubt that this is now even more the case thanks to the Great British Menu - which I look forward to sampling shortly,” she said.
“Creating a good menu is a familiar dilemma for any host, but the solution of competitive cooking is a new concept to me - although I understand there are as yet no penalty shoot-outs.”
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The special meal created to mark the monarch’s 80th birthday at Mansion House, in London, was attended by 350 guests, including Margaret Thatcher, the former prime minister, and veteran musicians Sir Cliff Richard and Eric Clapton.
Irish chef Richard Corrigan designed the starter course of smoked salmon with Irish soda bread, woodland sorrel and cress. The fish course, of pan-fried turbot with cockles and oxtail, was created by Bryn Williams and was the archbishop’s favourite dish.
The main course of loin of roe venison with rosti, celeriac, cabbage, carrot and game gravy was prepared by Nick Nairn, and Marcus Wareing prepared the dessert of a custard tart with Garibaldi biscuits.
Many of the lunch guests had earlier attended the public service of thanksgiving in honour of her personal milestone.
More than 2,300 people, including Tony Blair, military chiefs and faith leaders packed into St Paul’s Cathedral in London.
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The Queen was joined for the service by more than 30 members of the Royal Family, including the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales and her grandsons, Prince William and Prince Harry.
She reached 80 on April 21, which she celebrated with close friends and family at a private dinner. She celebrates her official birthday on Saturday.
Security was tight around the cathedral as the dignitaries gathered for the high-profile event.
As the Queen arrived, a fanfare was sounded by the State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry. She was greeted by a round of applause from a crowd of 300 well-wishers who had congregated around the churchyard.
In a sermon, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Rowan Williams, hailed the Queen for giving the British monarchy a human face.
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He said: “Monarchy as it has developed here is a way of keeping power human. Your Majesty has more reason than most to know the cost of a culture fanatically eager for gossip and trivia and the exposure in public of what should be private.”
At the lunch, Blair expressed thanks on behalf of the country.
“We salute you today, we wish you well and above all we wish you many happy, long years to reign over us,” he said. “Ma’am, on behalf of the whole of the country, thank you.
On her official birthday on Saturday, the queen will attend a military parade.