Inspirational single mum and top scout given starring roles at Diamond Jubilee service
29 MAY 2012
Naomi Spencer, 25, grew up on a deprived estate in Birmingham where opportunities were few.
But she turned her life around, and is one of the inspirational youngsters who have been given a starring role in the Queen's Jubilee service.
The single mum, who launched a successful business with help from The Prince's Trust, is among a group leading the litany of prayer and thanksgiving section.
She will speak in front of a congregation of 2,000 key figures, and countless others watching from home.
Naomi set up her company Candy Bubbles – a business selling balloon bouquets and luxury soaps – after planning her son's christening and realising how expensive things were.
She enjoyed huge success after completing a business course run by Prince Charles' charity and now offers her services at corporate events for businesses including Aston Villa football Club and Tesco.
Joining Naomi in reading at the service is Caitlin Ripley. The 20-year-old from Penrith was awarded the Queen's Scout Award – the highest honour in scouting, it is given for outstanding personal achievement.
As well as helping out in her community she went on a three-week expedition across North Wales, walking, sailing, camping and climbing with young people from around the globe.
Others leading prayers include Jemma Samuel, National Cadet of the Year from St John Ambulance – the charitable organisation of which the Queen is Sovereign Head.
She will be joined by Samuel Odusina, who achieved a Gold standard in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, a youth training organisation for young people aged 14-24.
The full guest list for the service, which will take place at St Paul's Cathedral on Tuesday, hasn't been released.
But it's likely that congregation will include key members of the Queen's personal staff.
Her private secretary, the Rt Hon Christopher Geidt, is expected to attend. The 50-year-old former army sergeant has been the Queen's most trusted advisor since 2007.
He has been credited with bringing the monarchy up to date, and was the one who suggested the monarch made the popular move of wearing emerald green during her historic trip to Ireland last year.
There may also be room for his predesessor Lord Janvrin.
The Queen's personal assistant and her senior dresser Angela Kelly may also be there. She was responsible for the sovereign's primrose yellow crepe wool coat and matching jacket that she wore for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's fairytale wedding.
Guests from the monarch's private life may include her cousin and close friend Margaret Rhodes. The niece of the Queen Mother, Margaret was her lady-in-waiting for the final years of her life and was there when she passed away.
Being only ten months apart in age, she and the young Princess Elizabeth spent lots of time together when they were growing up, riding hill ponies and having picnics together.
Windsor Castle became Margaret's second home when she did a secretarial course at Egham during the war, subsequently landing a job at M16.
She was the Queen's bridesmaid when she wed Prince Philip, and their friendship continues to this day.
Thanksgiving Service Guest List
Inspirational members of the community:
Jemma Samuel, National Cadet of the Year, St John's Ambulance
The Lord Shuttleworth, KCVO, Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire
Able Cadet Hannah Subit, Beckenham and Dulwich Unit, Sea Cadet Corps
His Excellency Kamalesh Sharma, Commonwealth Secretary-General
Samuel Odusina, Gold Award Participant, Duke of Edinburgh's Award
Naomi Spencer, Young Ambassador of the Year, The Prince's Trust
Caitlin Ripley, Queen's Scout
Captain Giles R Sugdon, RLC, The Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment
40 members of the Royal Family including:
Duke of Edinburgh
Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall
Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
Prince Harry
Queen's staff and friends
Rt Hon Christopher Geidt, Her Majesty's Private Secretary
Lord Janvrin, Her Majesty's former Private Secretary
Angela Kelly, Her Majesty's Personal Assistant and Senior Dresser
Margaret Rhodes, close friend and cousin of the Queen
The Ladies-in-Waiting; Lady Susan Hussey, Duchess of Grafton, Countess of Airlie,
Representatives of Her Majesty's Patronages, from:
Sue Ryder Care
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
Golf Union of Wales
Amateur Swimming Association
The Scout Association
The Shire Horse Association
Barnado's
Royal Shakespeare Theatre
Royal Northern College of Music
The Boys' Brigade
Government Ministers
David Cameron, Prime Minister and Conservative Party Leader
Nick Clegg, Liberal Democrat Party Leader
Ed Miliband, Labour Party Leader
Gordon Brown, Former Labour Party Leader
Tony Blair, Former Labour Party Leader
John Major, Former Conservative Party Leader
Canada
Russia
Greece
Spain
Mexico
Brazil
Argentina