Picnic hampers that were given to Diamond Jubilee revellers enjoying a special meal at Buckingham Palace last weekend could soon be making their way to new owners via eBay delivery services after they were put up for sale on the auction website.

The celebratory snack selections were designed by celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal and presented to more than 10,000 people who were picked at random to join in with festivities at the palace to mark the 60th anniversary of the Queen's coronation.

Just one day after the celebrations concluded, hampers had been placed on eBay and were attracting bids of over £100, with some priced at up to £500, reports the Sun.

Blumenthal picked a selection of traditional British favourites for the occasion, including coronation chicken and Eton mess, as well as some more unusual options such as Lapsang Souchong tea-smoked Scottish salmon.

Some of the eBay listings claimed that the basket being sold included some of the food with which it was originally supplied.

The hampers took six months to create and were provided by high-end supermarket chain Waitrose.

Mark Price, the retailer's chief executive officer, said: "Her Majesty has personally tasted every dish and has been involved in creating everything that goes into the hamper.

"Her attention to detail is legendary and we are very proud to be involved in creating them as our Jubilee gift to her."

Many other items associated with the Diamond Jubilee event at Buckingham Palace have been put up for sale and could soon reach new owners via eBay delivery services, including Union Jack flags, themed beer glasses and programmes for the day.

The special picnic was one of several celebrations of the occasion, along with a river pageant on the Thames and a concert featuring performances by the likes of Sir Elton John, Robbie Williams, Stevie Wonder and Kylie Minogue.

Author:  Adrian Medland