Katherine Jenkins today helped to kick-off this weekend’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations by performing the National Anthem in front of The Queen at Epsom Racecourse.

The Welsh soprano, who appeared alongside Britain’s Got Talent winners Ashleigh and Pudsey at the event, told the Daily Mail that she was delighted to be involved with the occasion:

“It's incredible. I've been out of the country for three months, so to come back and do this is great.

“For me it's such a huge honour. It's the first time that the National Anthem has been sung during these celebrations and I would never have hesitated. I would have sung to her in the rain.”

The 31-year-old, who recently finished runner-up on Dancing With The Stars, also went onto describe 2012 as ‘a great time in Britain,’ before revealing that she is to also feature in this year’s Summer Olympics celebrations, teasing: “I can't say in what way but all will be revealed soon.”