Jill Biden joins Rishi Sunak's Downing St Coronation Big Lunch


Neil Murphy
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Follow the latest news from the coronation of King Charles here

US first lady Jill Biden was a surprise guest at Downing Street for the Big Lunch on Sunday, as thousands of coronation street parties for members of the public took place across Britain.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife opened the door to volunteers, Ukrainian refugees and youth groups in Downing Street for a lunch to mark the coronation.

Mr Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty hosted the event on Sunday.

Mr Sunak and Mrs Biden greeted each other with a kiss on both cheeks.

They stood chatting as many invited guests took photos before taking seats right in front of the No 10 door.

“Come rain or shine, thousands of friends and neighbours are coming together this weekend to put up the bunting, pour the tea and cut the cake at street parties and community events across the UK,” Mr Sunak said.

More than a million people signed up after being urged to get involved in the community gathering, which is one of the centrepieces of the coronation bank holiday weekend.

Those looking to take part can use an interactive tool to find the nearest Big Lunch location available in their area. Bakers and baking business owners across the country put their skills to the test creating cakes to celebrate the coronation.

Organisers have also created an information pack for guests which outlines conversation pointers for those who may be affected by social nerves.

The Coronation Big Lunch - in pictures

The “conversation menu” suggests asking fellow residents whether they have met a member of the British royal family, or what their favourite way is to spend a bank holiday.

The “menu” also includes jokes to break the ice.

So far about 7,000 street parties and other events have been registered, and organisers are hoping that more will be added.

More than 17.2 million people took part in Big Lunch events last June as they celebrated Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee.

A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said big lunches will take place from Saturday to Monday “in a nationwide act of celebration and friendship”.

UK's Prime Minister hosts coronation Big Lunch - video

On Sunday, Prince Edward and his wife Sophie attended a big lunch in Cranleigh, Surrey, while Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence visited a community street party in Swindon, Wiltshire.

Sunday is forecast to be the hottest day of the year so far for some parts of the UK, a change after the heavy downpours that threatened to dampen celebrations on Saturday.

A highs of 23°C is forecast for the East Midlands and down to London, beating the high of 21.2°C on April 17.

Some showers are predicted across eastern England and Scotland, but the vast majority of the country can expect sunny spells throughout the day, the UK's Met Office said.

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Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah 

Starring: Alaa Meqdad

Rating: 4/5

The specs: 2018 Jaguar F-Type Convertible

Price, base / as tested: Dh283,080 / Dh318,465

Engine: 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic

Power: 295hp @ 5,500rpm

Torque: 400Nm @ 1,500rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 7.2L / 100km

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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Neil Thomson – THE BIO

Family: I am happily married to my wife Liz and we have two children together.

Favourite music: Rock music. I started at a young age due to my father’s influence. He played in an Indian rock band The Flintstones who were once asked by Apple Records to fly over to England to perform there.

Favourite book: I constantly find myself reading The Bible.

Favourite film: The Greatest Showman.

Favourite holiday destination: I love visiting Melbourne as I have family there and it’s a wonderful place. New York at Christmas is also magical.

Favourite food: I went to boarding school so I like any cuisine really.

About Housecall

Date started: July 2020

Founders: Omar and Humaid Alzaabi

Based: Abu Dhabi

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  • 7 - million dollars, the film's budget 
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
'Nope'
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FIXTURES (all times UAE)

Sunday
Brescia v Lazio (3.30pm)
SPAL v Verona (6pm)
Genoa v Sassuolo (9pm)
AS Roma v Torino (11.45pm)

Monday
Bologna v Fiorentina (3.30pm)
AC Milan v Sampdoria (6pm)
Juventus v Cagliari (6pm)
Atalanta v Parma (6pm)
Lecce v Udinese (9pm)
Napoli v Inter Milan (11.45pm)

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Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri 

Rating: 1/5

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