Entertainment rolled out for G7 leaders will include a feast of local dishes and a flypast

The best of British will be rolled out to entertain the G7 leaders, from a flypast by the Red Arrows to menus packed with local Cornish treats.

There will even be a barbecue on the beach tomorrow, at which the international dignitaries will be serenaded by a sea shanty group.

And as a reminder that Britain still wields significant hard power, the Royal Navy’s giant new aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales will sail past the summit venue.

The main role today will be taken by the Queen, 95, who will lead members of the Royal Family in welcoming the G7 chiefs.

The royals will be out in force at a reception at the Eden Project tonight, with the sovereign accompanied by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, as well as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

The menu for the event has been created by chef Emily Scott of the Watergate Bay Hotel in Newquay and will include Cornish turbot and new potatoes for the main course, and local cheeses.

Afterwards, Prince Charles with Prince William at his side will host a reception for the leaders and executives from some of the world’s largest companies to discuss how the private sector can work with governments to tackle climate change. 

The Queen, in a rare joint engagement with Camilla and Kate, will also attend an event at the Eden Project in celebration of The Big Lunch, which will form part of her platinum jubilee celebrations in 2022.

The three most senior royal women will meet Big Lunch volunteers, and thank them for their efforts supporting their communities through the challenges of the past year.

Earlier in the day Kate and US First Lady Dr Jill Biden will conduct a joint engagement, although details are being kept under wraps for now.

President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Boris Johnson emphasised the ‘special relationship’ between their two nations during their first face-to-face meeting today 

Tomorrow’s entertainment will include a barbecue on Carbis Bay beach that will feature the Red Arrows flypast and music from sea shanty group Du Hag Owr.

Chef Simon Stallard from the Hidden Hut restaurant in nearby Portscatho has put together a menu that will include local crab, mackerel, lobster and sirloin plus Cornish sparkling wine.

Away from the feasting and politics, pandemic precautions have meant all countries are sending smaller delegations than usual. All delegates, including leaders, will have to take a Covid test every day.

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, who was invited by Mr Johnson to attend the latter stages of the summit, will now take part virtually because of his country’s continuing Covid crisis.