The Mayor of Merton has spoken of her delight at taking lunch with the Queen on one of her last official engagements as mayor.

Councillor Gilli Lewis-Lavender, mayor of Merton, was seated next to the Queen during a British picnic themed lunch at St Mark’s Academy on Tuesday, May 15, as part of the Queen’s Diamond jubilee celebrations.

She said: "It was absolutely amazing.

"I was quite surprised that I wasn’t at all nervous.

"She was perfectly natural and very friendly and tried to bring everyone on our table into the conversation and we had a jolly time.

"I told her a little about the Merton Priory and she was very interested in that.

"One of the gentlemen on our table asked the Queen if she liked to cook and she said, ‘no I don’t cook but Phillip likes the BBQ’."

Coun Lewis-Lavender said Her Majesty put everyone at ease during their meal adding that she "just chatted as if she was a friend you had just made".

She said: "She wasn’t like I’m the Queen be careful what you say.

"It was as if she was just a new neighbour.

"I can remember sitting one point and she was talking to another gentleman and I was thinking I can’t believe this is happening – I’m sitting next to the Queen.

"It’s funny because you have known her and loved her for the last 60 years you feel as if you know her because you have seen her so often on TV."

During the meal the Queen and her guests spoke about how important it was to look after yourself and keep fit and healthy.

Coun Lewis-Lavender said: "She obviously looks after herself very well.

"We spoke about how important it is to keep fit and healthy.

"She only had a very little portion of her pudding and when the coffee came around she used a sweetener.

"She was charming.

"We just chatted and she was like a friend you had just made.

The mayor also praised the Duke of Edinburgh who has supported the Queen for the last 60 years.

"He’s lovely and he’s so spritely.

"At 91 he’s very good looking and he’s still got a twinkle in his eye and is a proper gentleman."

Royal lunch menu Wild Salmon trout with asparagus, broad beans and citrus butter vinaigrette.

Minted English new potatoes Heritage carrots ~ Summer pudding with Kent red berries and cream ~ Coffee ~ Frog Haven Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Mercurey Domaine Faiveley 2007 Water by Speyside Glenlivet