William leads tributes to the Queen as the Mall hosts 90th birthday street party

The Queen in response made the crowds laugh when she joked about future renditions of happy birthday: "I much appreciate the kindness of all your birthday wishes, and have been delighted and moved by the many cards and messages I have received.

"How I will feel if people are still singing Happy Birthday to me in December remains to be seen."

William, who was joined by Kate, Prince Harry and the Duke of Edinburgh, asked the crowds gathered in The Mall: "I hope you won't mind if I say a personal thank you to the Queen - and to do so on behalf of all her grandchildren - and great-grandchildren.

"Granny, thank you for everything you have done for your family. We could not wish you a happier birthday."

The 10,000 guests gathered in The Mall for the event celebrating the Queen's patronage of more than 600 charities and organisations cheered.

They had spent much of the day under ponchos braving heavy downpours that had left them and their picnic hamper lunch sodden.

But after the Queen made an appearance the sun soon broke through.

William told the wellwishers: "The Queen's strong health and relentless energy; her sharp wit and famous sense of humour; and the fact that the Queen remains very much at the helm of our family, our nation and the Commonwealth.

"The Queen at 90 is the one Head of State that world leaders can turn to for a first-hand perspective of the arc of history over the last six decades.

"At 90, the Queen is the leader of our country, who we all look up to in good times and in challenging moments to set an example, and to guide the way ahead."

Peter Phillips, the Queen's grandson, has masterminded the open air Patron's Lunch to mark the monarch's patronage of more than 600 charities and organisations.

It brings to a close this weekend's events marking the Queen's anniversary that has already seen a St Paul's Cathedral thanksgiving service and a traditional Trooping the Colour ceremony.

William, Kate and Harry went on a walkabout in The Mall before the Queen arrived and were driven halfway up the thoroughfare, while the Duke of York and his daughters Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie walked out of the gates of Buckingham Palace to meet the revellers.

Harry broached the subject of Brexit with dairy farmer Mike King, 46 and his wife Rachel 48, from Iron Acton, near Bristol - but kept his own views close to his chest.

Mr King said: "I told Harry we were farmers and were hardy so we're just used to the wet. When he heard we were farmers he said 'in or out?' and I said I was going to ask him the same.

"I said 'I'm undecided' and he said 'I'm not allowed to say'."

Harry was in a light-hearted mood and he joked about the Queen's bright neon green outfit she wore for Saturday's Trooping the Colour ceremony.

Ann Gimson, from Bromley, Kent, who celebrated her 90th birthday on Sunday said: "He was talking about outfits and asked what we thought about the Queen's dress.

"He said 'Neon at 90, should we encourage more?' and then he told us she would be wearing pink today."

Party-goers were banned from bringing umbrellas on to the site, with organisers handing out ponchos - 12,500 of which they had ready and waiting.

The lengthy white-hooded rain covers were emblazoned with The Patron's Lunch logo on the back.

The prince made fun of the ban and asked Andrew Easton, 34 "You're not allowed to this" and he waved an umbrella at him.

Kate, who wore a dress by Roksanda, was kissed on the hand by Spanish-born Nielson Sanchez-Stewart, 70, who lives in Marbella and travelled over especially for the event.

He said: "I kissed her hand, this is what we do in Spain when a lady arrives. it's very romantic."

The 70-year-old who was joined by his wife Alicia, 64, said about the lack of umbrellas: "We got a little bit wet, everybody was told not to bring an umbrella, in the end we were given a poncho by the police who felt sorry for us."

Ella Hunter-Gibbs, 19, from Surrey, who was attending with her grandparents and mother, chatted to Kate.

"She was saying that George opened the door today and said, 'it's not very nice out today Mummy, is it'? She said 'No, it isn't George'.

"She said she felt sorry for us in the rain. It has been a fantastic day. She was so nice."

William told people in the crowd who looked wet: "Was it really bad? Oh I'm so sorry."

One woman apologised for looking so bedraggled, with wet hair, and he said: "It still looks lovely. You've got more hair than I have."

He told another group: "It wouldn't be a proper street party without a bit of rain. I'm glad you've got a bit of alcohol and some chocolate."

Only Fools And Horses star Sir David Jason, 76, was among the revellers because of his association with Diabetes UK, and met the Earl and Countess of Wessex.

"If I had a message for the Queen, it would be: 'Keep going, love, like I am,'" Sir David said.

"She's doing a great job like me. The country needs both of us.

"If I see her I'll say, 'Ma'am, it's Del Boy. Over 'ere.'"

He told Sophie: "I'm like you - I'd look a bit silly in a poncho. So I'd rather get wet."

Among the Second World War veterans with the Royal British Legion was Jack Gordon, 92, from Wigan, who served with the Royal Navy.

"I'm wet through. But I'm feeling okay," he said.

He added he would not have wanted to bring an umbrella, but his wife June interrupted, saying: "I would."

One guest, Lee Deeble, tweeted complaints about the confiscation of umbrellas.

Mr Deeble, who also took a selfie with Princess Beatrice, wrote: "police confiscated ALL umbrellas at #ThePatronsLunch. Its absolutely pouring down, why?"

He added: "Soaked, f***ing soaked".

Mr Deeble cheered up after the Queen and Philip arrived, calling them "legends" and adding: "Proud to be British!!"

The sun came out as the Queen and the royals watched the parade from a covered stage in front of the Queen Victoria Memorial and the palace.

Princess Michael of Kent could be seen standing up to take photos of the event on her camera phone.

In the procession of dancers and marching bands, different eras of the Queen's reign were celebrated in turn.

A giant puppet version of the Royal Yacht Britannia - much loved and missed by the Queen - could be seen - and later a performer in a large Gruffalo suit - one of Prince George and Princess Charlotte's favourite characters.

For the 1980s, performers wearing shorts and luminous pink leg warmers roller skated down the road.

At one point a giant golden "90" was carried past the royal box.

In the finale, the Queen clapped as Darcey Bussell danced in front of a gigantic blue handbag.

The crowd joined in with a rendition of Happy Birthday - with the royals including William and Kate singing as well - followed by three cheers for the monarch.

The Queen gave a final wave before heading back inside the palace.