CONTINUING HER CAMPAIGN TO SUPPORT AND CELEBRATE WOMEN THE QUEEN ENLISTS FAMOUS NAMES AND SALUTES RECORDBREAKING YACHT CREW

The Queen was joined by highprofile women from the worlds of politics and broadcasting at Buckingham Palace last week.

- EMILY NASH

Her Majesty welcomed 300 guests to the White Drawing Room – including former Prime Minister Theresa May and two wives of former Prime Ministers, Carrie Johnson and Lady Blair – as she relaunched The Wash Bags Project, which provides toiletries for people affected by rape and sexual abuse.

Donated by Boots, the items are distributed by the charity In Kind Direct, founded by the then Prince of Wales in 1996.

Speaking to mother of three Carrie at the reception, Her Majesty said: “Very nice to see you again – I haven’t seen you for a long while. Not since you had number three.”

“I know. Chaos, chaos,” Carrie replied, to laughter.

IMPORTANT SUPPORTERS

Also among the guests were Health Secretary Victoria Atkins, Home Secretary James Cleverly, broadcaster Emma Barnett and exLove Island star Zara McDermott, along with representatives of charities, police forces and health services. 

Her Majesty has been involved with organisations that support survivors of rape and sexual assault for over a decade and launched the wash-bags scheme in 2013.

The bags , which conta in toothpaste, a toothbrush, shower gel, body lotion, shampoo, a comb and a face cloth, are given to survivors after they have been examined.

Carrie, 36, said later: “I am such a supporter of the Queen. She has been incredible. These events are far more important than one might think. They are not just photocalls; they do bring people together who can effect change. You can tell she cares deeply about it.”