'Our Queen represents the most important values of dignity, duty and dedication'

The celebrations have already begun with dedicated Platinum Jubilee revellers determined to thank the Queen for her 70 years.

Spirits were high on The Mall, awash in a sea of red, white and blue flags, as final preparations in London were underway today.

Royal watchers began arriving on Monday to secure the best spot to watch today’s Trooping the Colour parade – with some travelling from as far as the US. They were loaded down with tents, deckchairs and champagne.

Donna Werner, from Connecticut, booked her tickets as soon as Palace officials set the date.

She and pal Mary-Jane Willows, from Penzance in Cornwall, arrived on Tuesday and plan to camp until Sunday.

The Queen and Prince Philip watch a flypast of Spitfire & Hurricane aircraft from the balcony of Buckingham Palace to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of The Battle of Britain on July 10, 2015 (Getty Images)

Donna, 70, said: “I have followed the Royal Family since I was a girl. I love the grand palaces and the gardens and everything involved with Britain.

“I wanted to show my respect to the Queen for everything she has done.”

Mary-Jane, 68, added: “This is the most important royal event in our lifetime. She has given us 70 years – we can give her the weekend.”

Queen Elizabeth II waves to the crowds as she stands on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in 1998 (Getty Images)

John Loughrey, 67, from Streatham, was the first to arrive on The Mall when he pitched his tent on Monday.

After posing with his cardboard cutout image of Her Majesty, he explained: “I want to tell the Queen: You are the crown jewels and we thank you, ma’am.” Keen cyclists, known as the Bike Angels of Basildon, rode down The Mall singing God Save The Queen.

Clare Weitzel, 55, said: “There is already a fabulous atmosphere.”

Carole Oakley, 62, and Judith Shaw, 62, added: “The Queen has done so much. We want to show her what we all think of her.”

Sandra Brabbs, 48, who travelled with pal Jo Elworthy, 55, from Yeovil in Somerset, said: “I think this is the last time we will see publicly the Queen like this – after this weekend she will step back. It’s so exciting to be a part of it.”

Elsewhere across the country, there were similar stories of people getting into party mood.

The jolly Rother Bobber swim ladies, draped in Union Jack colours, showed their support as they took to the water at Langland Bay at Swansea in South Wales.

But not everyone was in festive mood. In Liverpool, graffiti on an advertising board spelt out: “F*** the Queen, feed the poor.”