The Queen marked the occasion by attending the first-ever ecumenical service at St George's Chapel in Windsor and afterwards witnessed church leaders signing a covenant expressing their unity.

Meanwhile Princes William and Harry forfeited a chance to watch England's first World Cup match to attend a special Jubilee service in Wales.

Church leaders attended the service at Windsor

Final preparations are now under way for Monday's events, which include a pop concert at Buckingham Palace after which the Queen will light the last in a chain of beacons stretching round the UK and the world.

In his sermon at Windsor, the Dean of Windsor, Reverend David Conner, praised the Queen for her "continuing commitment, dedication, total loyalty and unstinting service to the church, the nation and the Commonwealth".

This had been given without condition and "at times the giving will have been most costly", he said.

It had been feared that Sunday's Jubilee celebrations would be overshadowed by England's World Cup opening game.

'Historic mission'

However, many church services re-scheduled to avoid clashing with England's match against Sweden.

The Archbishop of Canterbury gave his blessing to re-organise services around the sports fixture.

Dr George Carey was among the church leaders who attended the service at Windsor, at the Queen's invitation.

Following the service, the four presidents of Churches Together in England (CTE) signed the personal covenant in Vicar's Hall Windsor Castle, in the Queen's presence.

One little girl ensures she gets a good view

Those signing the covenant were the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor; Reverend Tony Burnham, Moderator of the Free Churches Group; and Reverend Esme Beswick, who represented the smaller churches.

The leaders committed themselves to continue the developments in their relationships.

Dr Carey said: "We are engaging in an historic mission and service to our nation.

"The eventual journey we trust will lead to one church in this land, but I don't expect it in my lifetime."

The 'People's Party' officially begins on Monday with street parties across the country and a three-hour pop concert at Buckingham Palace.