The British School of Washington held a "Big Jubilee Lunch" celebration of Her Majesty the Queen's Diamond Jubilee including a round of trivia led by Deputy Ambassador Phillip Barton. Queen Elizabeth II is celebrating her 60th year since her accession to the throne in 1952.

Children ate their lunches at picnic tables in front of the school, which was decorated with Union Jack flags for the occasion.

"The street party is a very traditional celebration in times of royal occasions," explained Chris Ryan, the deputy head of school.

Ryan said the school also wanted to affirm its connection to the surrounding community. In honor of Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee parents sent children to school with flowers that the students then assembled into bouquets. The flowers will be given to residents at retirement homes and hospices nearby, to include Knollwood Military Retirement Community and the Georgetown Retirement Community.

"We wanted to do something very British, but make a statement that we’re an American-based school and part of the expat community," said Ryan.

The children at the school are a mix of Americans, British and other nationalities.

"I think it’s a great opportunity for all of the to learn a little bit about the United Kingdom, about my country," said Barton.

"Obviously for the British kids, it is something particularly special. It’s their queen," he added.

Ryan said that for many of the children, British or not, the celebration was significant for them because they were "part of history."

Barton was not disappointed to have spent the jubilee in the United States.

"For me it’s an honor and a privilege to be overseas at this moment when the world spotlight is on the UK and on London," he said.