The Duchess of Cornwall delighted hundreds of old aged pensioners celebrating the Queen's Diamond Jubilee when she dropped in for a cup of tea and cake with them.

The surprise visit took place at St Paul's Church, Onslow Square, London where around 600 elderly members of the congregation and friends were attending their bi-monthly tea party and classical music concert.

None of them were aware that the Duchess had accepted an invitation to join them.

The concert had just ended and the tea started when the royal car drew up outside the church.

The Duchess was greeted by the event organiser Fi Costa along with vicar Nicky Gumbel and his wife Pippa.

She then moved around the church, sitting down with different groups at long trestle tables, concluding with a group of Chelsea Pensioners. On all the tables were a selection of special cakes provided by the Duchess to add to those made by the many church volunteers.

Welcoming her to the church, Nicky Gumbel introduced the Duchess from the stage.

He then presented her with a teapot painted especially for the occasion by internationally recognised artist Charlie Mackesy, a member of the congregation.

She then met a group of the volunteers who organise the regular tea parties and signed the church visitors' book before leaving.

St Paul's Church is part of the parish of Holy Trinity Brompton in South Kensington, London.