Gliding into the courtyard in a chauffeurdriven car, the nature-loving royal gazed approvingly at the colourful wildflower meadow at the front of the historic palace in south-west London.
And waiting to welcome her were some of the most famous names in literature, who were ready to entertain her and the packed audience through the world of books.
HELLO! was there too, and as Her Majesty emerged in a wide-legged navy Anna Valentine jumpsuit to join a champagne reception, she mingled with literary stars including Rebus creator Sir Ian Rankin, Shetland and Vera author Ann Cleeves, historical novelist Kate Mosse and thriller writer Harlan Coben, together with classicist Dame Mary Beard and actresses Helena Bonham Carter and Patricia Hodge.
The Queen, who was accompanied by her son, food critic Tom Parker Bowles, also chatted to the King's cousin, Lady Sarah Chatto, who came with her husband Daniel and their sons, Samuel, 27, and Arthur, 25.
But it was while she was talking to Lee Child, author of the Jack Reacher thrillers, that she gave an update on a matter on everyone's minds: her husband the King's health.
MISBEHAVING HUSBANDS
In a candid conversation with the novelist, Her Majesty said the 75-year-old monarch - who was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in February and has returned to public-facing duties while undergoing treatment - is "doing fine" but "won't slow down and won't do what he's told".
The best-selling writer replied: "Sounds to me like a typical husband." Afterwards, Lee said: "I asked her how the King is because when I got my CBE, he did my investiture, so I have a soft spot for him and I said: 'I hope he's doing well."
Esta historia es de la edición June 24, 2024 de HELLO! UK.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición June 24, 2024 de HELLO! UK.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
OSCAR-WINNING FAMILY MAN - EDDIE REDMAYNE
GOES UNDERCOVER TO LEARN REAL-LIFE SPY SKILLS FOR DREAM ROLE
NEW ROYAL REVELATIONS THE KING IS REVEALED AS A 'KINDLY SOUL' WHO'S OPEN TO A RECONCILIATION WITH HARRY
They may have had a strained relationship in recent years, but reconciliation could finally be on the cards for the King and his son the Duke of Sussex-once Prince Harry's legal challenges are over.
JUDE LAW: TAKING ON A 'BROKEN' F.B.I. AGENT IN NEW THRILLER
REVEALS HOW TAKING THE REINS AS A PRODUCER HAS PUT HIM IN CONTROL OF A NEW CHAPTER IN HIS CAREER
THE MARCHIONESS OF BATH - OUR SOCIAL EDITOR AT LARGE STEPS OUT IN STYLE IN MOROCCO
No sooner had I jetted back from the glamour of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in New York than it was time to hop on to another plane this time my destination was Marrakech.
DEMI MOORE: BREAKING DOWN BEAUTY STEREOTYPES
ON HOW GORY NEW FILM GAVE HER THE 'GIFT' OF SEEING HERSELF ANEW
THE PRINCE OF WALES - AT THE EARTHSHOT PRIZE AWARDS
DRAWS PEOPLE FROM ACROSS AFRICA TO FOCUS ON PROTECTING THE PLANET
HELLO! to KINDNES: IDRIS ELBA
For World Kindness Day 2024, HELLO! is celebrating the selfless celebrities, campaigning royals and fabulous fundraisers who prove that being kind isn't determined by who you are, but by what you do. Introduced in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement, this special day on 13 November encourages us all to practise kindness in our daily lives, helping us nurture our feelings of empathy, understanding and compassion to create a more caring world.
LIGHTING UP LONDON AT 'UNSTOPPABLE' PREMIERE - JENNIFER LOPEZ
SAYS SHARING STORIES OF DIFFICULT RELATIONSHIPS HELPED HER BRING A STRUGGLING MUM TO LIFE
DIGGING DEEP IN HER OWN FAMILY LIFE - SAOIRSE RONAN
ON PORTRAYING MOTHERHOOD IN INTENSE WARTIME DRAMA
A-LISTERS FLOCK TO LOS ANGELES FOR LACMA'S-GLITZY NIGHT OUT
MUSEUM SMASHES FUNDRAISING RECORD AS STARS GLITTER IN GUCCI
