Human rights protesters greet Queen as she meets Commonwealth leaders

She was joined by more than 70 guests, including Prime Minister David Cameron and leaders from across the association of nations, as they arrived to angry scenes.

Hundreds of Tamil and human rights campaigners gathered outside Marlborough House in central London in opposition to Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse’s presence at the meal.

Their chants echoed around the forecourt as guests arrived. Mr Rajapakse was jeered as he swept through the main gate in a Range Rover. His car did not carry a flag because of security concerns.

The Queen seemed relaxed as she was handed a bouquet of flowers by nine-year-old Aduke Badale, the daughter of a member of the Commonwealth Secretariat staff.

The Queen spent a brief moment with Mr Rajapakse and appeared to fleetingly shake hands with him as she met guests at a reception in the Blenheim Saloon inside Marlborough House.

Heads of state and representatives from Australia, Canada and the African nations were welcomed by Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma.

Mr Rajapakse was seated on the table directly to the Queen’s left with Babli Sharma, wife of the Commonwealth Secretary- General, Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba and his wife, and New Zealand Prime Minister John Key and his wife.

The 11 tables were named after flowers, with the Queen seated on the golden wattle table.

Mr Sharma welcomed the guests, saying: “It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all on this very special day in the history of the Commonwealth.”

After a performance of the Commonwealth song, Stronger as One, by soprano Laura Wright, the Queen was presented with a bronze plaque to mark the jubilee. The presentation was followed by an informal “family photo”.