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."
Denne historien er fra June 24, 2024-utgaven av HELLO! UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra June 24, 2024-utgaven av HELLO! UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
DREAM ESCAPES
Take in the beauty of Japan's former imperial capital, from its temples and tea houses to serene moments in nature
SPICE BOY
Brooklyn Peltz Beckham is among the stars fuelling the craze for hot sauces, from spicy peppers to hot honey
CILLIAN MURPHY
AFTER HIS OSCAR-WINNING TURN IN 'OPPENHEIMER' CILLIAN MURPHY BRINGS IT BACK HOME WITH POWERFUL NEW FILM SET IN IRELAND - AND DROPS 'PEAKY BLINDERS' MOVIE HINTS
MARKING REMEMBRANCE DAY - THE DUKE OF SUSSEX
PAYS HEARTFELT TRIBUTE AS HE MAKES SWEET GESTURE TO BEREAVED CHILDREN
THE ROYAL FAMILY PAY THEIR RESPECTS ON REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY
HONOURING THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO LOST THEIR LIVES IN THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE WHILE SERVING THEIR COUNTRY
MAKING IT A RIGHT ROYAL NIGHT - 'GLADIATOR II'
THE KING WALKS THE RED CARPET AT FILM'S STARRY WORLD PREMIERE
FRESH FROM THE 'WICKED' PREMIERE - ARIANA GRANDE
ON HER CLOSE BOND WITH 'WARMEST HUMAN' CYNTHIA ERIVO
AFTER REVEALING HER DECISION TO HAVE SURGERY FOR A BRAIN TUMOUR - DAVINA MCCALL CELEBRITY FRIENDS SEND MESSAGES OF SUPPORT AFTER SHOCK NEWS
Stars including Amanda Holden and Holly Willoughby have offered heartfelt support to Davina McCall after she revealed she was undergoing an operation to remove a brain tumour.
THE KING AND QUEEN
AS DAMIAN LEWIS PRAISES CAMILLA'S RECENT T.V. TURN - THE KING AND QUEEN HOST STAR-STUDDED RECEPTION AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE FOR FAMOUS BIG AND SMALL-SCREEN FACES
CELINE DION AND JENNIFER LOPEZ - STEAL THE SHOW AT LAVISH FASHION EXTRAVAGANZA
HITTING ALL THE RIGHT NOTES
