31 MARCH 2004
The Queen swapped her posh palace party setting for a swanky new location on Wednesday night as she threw a black tie bash at the Ritz Hotel in London.

It was a family affair for the royals, with Sophie, Countess of Wessex, who wore a vibrant pink gown and pearl choker, arriving on the arm of her husband Prince Edward. Lady Helen Taylor was stunning, with her upswept hair helping set off a spectacular diamond necklace, while another royal pair, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, were equally elegant, he in a tuxedo, she in classic black.

A good time was apparently had by all, with the Queen, who donned a shimmering pink beaded dress accessorised with a silver handbag, reportedly leaving the bash with her husband Prince Philip at 12.20am - long after most of the guests had retired.

It was a full day for the British monarch, who had earlier visited the Royal Albert Hall to take a look at the newly-finished £70-million renovations on the venue. The project, which took eight years to complete, includes the addition of two new foyers and improved access for the disabled.