The Prince of Wails: Harry at number one in album charts (with a little help from Gary Barlow) and set to appear at Diamond Jubilee Concert

The Prince of Wails: Harry at number one in album charts (with a little help from Gary Barlow) and set to appear at Diamond Jubilee Concert

Take That star Gary Barlow saw his musical celebration of the Diamond Jubilee crowned king of the UK album charts tonight.

To celebrate, The X Factor judge has asked Prince Harry to be a surprise member of his Commonwealth Band and play tambourine on stage at tomorrow’s Diamond Jubilee Concert.

And the Queen herself will go on stage at the end of the mammoth gig to mix with pop royalty including Kylie Minogue, Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Tom Jones.

Barlow, 41, hopes Harry will join him and musicians from around the world to perform the official Diamond Jubilee song Sing earlier in the evening.

He played tambourine on the studio version of the song, which is the album’s title track.

A concert source told us: “Gary has done an great job getting together a brilliant line-up for the concert.

"He managed to get Harry to tap a tambourine for the single so he couldn’t resist asking him to get up on stage to play as well.

“It w ill be wonderful if some of the Royal Family are dancing on stage by the end of the show.

“Harry and Prince William are certainly both excited about the acts performing.”

 

Rockingham Palace: What the Diamond Jubilee Concert could look like with its 360-degree stage

The Diamond Jubilee Concert will take place outside Buckingham Palace from 7.30pm, with the Royal Family and 10,000 members of the public watching.

They’ll have enjoyed a Jubilee picnic in the gardens of the Palace earlier in the day.

Millions more will watch on BBC1 and big screens across the country, including in Hyde Park.

The official album, which was recorded at Abbey Road Studios by Barlow and the Commonwealth Band, was presented to the Queen to commemorate the celebration of her 60 years on the throne.

Ten years ago Queen guitarist Brian May famously played the National Anthem on the roof of the Palace during the concert marking the Golden Jubilee.

But Barlow, who has flown in some musicians from Africa for the show, told today how he negotiated with the Queen to use parts of the Palace for performances.

He said: “The balcony where Will and Kate kissed will be part of the concert.

"In fact, all the balconies will be u sed. We have amazing projections that are going on the front once it gets dark.

“At the end, the royals will be on stage to finish things off, though they won’t be singing.”

Pop veterans Madness â€" led by frontman Suggs â€" will perform their 1982 hit Our House on top of Buckingham Palace during the gig.

The fresh Prince: Harry with brother William during today's fun

The concert, which will also be broadcast live on Radio 2, will include Robbie Williams performing Mack The Knife, Dame Shirley Bassey singing Diamonds Are Forever and Sir Cliff Richard doing a medley of hits.

Other acts include concert organiser Barlow performing Need You Now with Cheryl Cole, and Sir Elton John singing Your Song, I’m Still Standing and Crocodile Rock.

Kylie Minogue, another big name singing, said: “To share the stage in front of Buckingham Palace with music legends including Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee is very exciting.”

Soul legend Wonder added: “It’s an honour to celebrate the Queen â€" the time is overdue that I meet her.”

The famous Queen Victoria Memorial has been undergoing a transformation, with a £200,000 360-degree wrap-around stage erected on the famous landmark.

The show, whose hosts include Lenny Henry, Miranda Hart, Rob Brydon and Lee Mack, is expecte d to cost around £4million.

Danny Cohen, Controller of BBC1, said of the gig: “This will be a very special concert. Expect some last-minute surprises.”

When it ends at 10pm, more than 4,000 beacons will be lit across Britain and around the world.

The Queen will light the last one â€" the National Beacon â€" which will then kick off a spectacular fireworks display at Buckingham Palace.

Forecasters warn that the rain will continue tomorrow although the showers are expected to be lighter.

The final day of the Diamond Jubilee weekend will be marked by a national service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral attended by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.

A million-strong crowd is expected on Tuesday to watch the Queen’s carriage procession, balcony appearance and a Red Arrows fly-past.