Our thanks to the Queen

The distinct aroma of barbecued sausages is expected to fill the air along Perth’s foreshore this morning for the historic Great Aussie BBQ in honour of the Queen.

In probably the most unique party ever held for Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip, up to 100,000 people are expected to fill the precinct to share a snag with the royal couple.

About 120,000 sausages and 1500 litres of tomato sauce will be served between 9am and 12pm, although due to protocol the Queen won’t be joining in the feast.

She is due to arrive in a motorcade from the Pan Pacific Hotel at 10.45am and will spend about an hour walking along a designated path to “mingle” with thousands of admirers before departing to Perth International Airport to fly home to London.

Premier Colin Barnett has promised free entertainment and non-intrusive security, despite the threat of a protest at Forrest Chase migrating to the foreshore.

Families were encouraged to take picnics and watch the events from ten screens to be set-up throughout The Esplanade and Langley Park, while public transport will be free and all proceeds from the sale of sausages and drinks – about $250,000 – will be donated to the Australian Red Cross, Legacy, Clontarf Academy and Activ Foundation.

“This is a very rare, unique and special opportunity for West Australians to take part in a great Aussie barbecue and to see the Queen and Prince Philip first hand,” Mr Barnett said when he announced the event two weeks ago.

“I don’t believe there are any other public events of this scale [involving the Queen] in history.”

The public barbecue will be in stark contrast to the formalities surrounding the Queen’s earlier engagements as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

Yesterday, after opening the meeting she hosted a luncheon for the new CHOGM leaders at Government House, the same location where on Thursday afternoon she attended the

Premier’s garden party with 1800 invited West Australians from all walks of life.

Meanwhile, the 53 Commonwealth heads of government also will enjoy an Australian barbecue lunch today.

They are gathering for the traditional CHOGM retreat, held at the specially-built state reception centre above Frasers in Kings Park.

Hosted by Prime Minister Julia Gillard, the leaders will gather behind closed doors – without even their aides – to openly discuss reforms and issues overlooking the Swan River and Perth CBD.

Later tonight they will dine at the University of Western Australia.

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