THE Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were welcomed to Henley yesterday by more than 4,000 guests from the three counties.

The Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Diamond Jubilee Garden Party was held at the Greenlands campus of the Henley Business School and hosted by the Lord Lieutenants of the three counties.

More than a quarter of the guests won tickets in a public ballot to attend, with 462 residents from Buckinghamshire.

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh watched a 15 minute river pageant along the River Thames at the start of their visit.

They then toured the grounds separately meeting guests and exhibitors.

As the Duke of Edinburgh walked past a St John’s Ambulance volunteer he quipped, “Have you had any customers yet?” which prompted chuckles from the crowd.

This Morning presenter, Phillip Schofield, was at the garden party as he lives in Oxfordshire.

He said of the day: “I think it is lovely. The whole thing is terrific. We were just saying how many people she must have met during the Jubilee year.

“It is really a case of trying to get to every part of the country and meet as many people as possible.”

The four community foundations of Bucks, Berks, Oxfordshire and Milton Keynes had a tent to show the work they do in the area, which exist to strengthen communities and enrich local life by inspiring and supporting charitable giving.

A jubilee fund has been set up to raise money for these groups.

There was a community tree in their tent which asked guests to leave community messages.

Sir Terry Wogan tied a message on the tree in front of the Queen.

He said: “I think it is absolutely fantastic. I am a Deputy Lieutenant for Buckinghamshire. I am very involved in the Bucks Foundation, which is part of the Community Foundation.

“I give it my support.”

The leaf read: “A leaf of the community tree. May its roots continue to flourish.”

There were also displays from museums and businesses from across the three counties.

Music was played throughout the afternoon and guests were served afternoon tea, which was based on a traditional English Garden Party and was served on ice tables.

Group Captain, Mark Heffron, RAF High Wycombe’s station commander was one of six personnel from the station.

He said: “People here have been involved in supporting the community. It is a wonderful way to bring everyone together to thank them.”

The sun shone throughout the afternoon and there was a fly past of RAF helicopters before Her Majesty unveiled a commemorative plaque and cut a celebratory cake.

Pupils from Danesfield School in Marlow and two schools in Oxfordshire and Berks lined the drive as the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh left at about 4.30pm.