The Queen was crowned in driving rain, and it apparently didn't dampen the spirits, but are we such a hardy lot these days? And how will the British public of 2012 respond if a forecast issued by Britain's Met Office that the Diamond Jubilee celebrations could be washed out by rain come true?

It has been exceptionally cold and wet in the UK, with widespread floods, and hail, sleet and even snow all falling in recent days.

The Met Office is now forecasting that the weather “looks to remain unsettled” until at least June 12, meaning the changeable weather could hit the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations on June 3-5.