Britain’s Duchess Camilla launched The Big Lunch 2015 on Tuesday (10.03.15).
The community project aims to encourage people to get to know their neighbours by holding an annual get-together, with this year’s initiative launched by celebrating eight exceptional volunteers who have organised previous events for people in their area.
The 67-year-old royal praised the guests during a reception at Clarence House in London by presenting them with wooden plaques honouring their efforts, and spoke about the integral part The Big Lunch played in celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012.
Talking about the project – which will, this year, be held on Sunday June 7 – she said: "Obviously talking to everybody here today it’s making a huge difference to people’s lives and getting people talking.
"And that’s what community is all about so please keep on with the good work and thank you very much for all that you do."
Among the guests who dined with Camilla was 12-year-old Marcus Aitken from Cardiff in south Wales, who was the youngest volunteer to be celebrated at the event.
Speaking about the impact the get-together he organised had on his community, he said: "My street was down and boring before but now everyone talks to each other."
Duchess Camilla launches The Big Lunch 2015
