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Queen enjoys 'Ab-Fab' encounter with Legends

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Having recently celebrated her 80th birthday, Queen Elizabeth has surely been reflecting on her many years as head of state. The monarch is also well-aware that she's not the only hard-working soul who has given decades of service to the British public, however, and it was with this in mind that she hosted a special event to celebrate the UK's older heroes on Wednesday afternoon.

Her Majesty was joined by a roll call of the showbiz industry's most enduring stars when she threw open the doors of Windsor Castle's Waterloo Chamber for the Living Legend Awards. Former Bond star Sir Roger Moore, who was accompanied by his glamorous wife Kiki, was among the celebs honoured at the event, along with veteran broadcaster Joan Bakewell.

The sovereign was also enjoying the company of small screen favourite June Whitfield, who TV fans will recognise as the long-suffering grandmother from Absolutely Fabulous. The two women seemed to be getting on like a house on fire, both laughing heartily as they shared a conversation with comedy star Lionel Blair.

Help The Aged's annual prizegiving aims to recognise the extraordinary achievements made by Britain's more mature citizens. And it's not only big names who get to share in the glory, as many of the UK's unsung heroes are also honoured. The winner of this year's Dame Thora Hird prize for outstanding achievement was 82-year-old Margaret Fray, who has spent years working tirelessly to win better care for mentally ill pensioners.

Photo: © Alphapress.com
Her Majesty shares a joke with Absolutely Fabulous star June Whitfield. The veteran actress is just a few months older than the monarch, having marked her 80th birthday last NovemberPhoto: © EMPICS
Photo: © Alphapress.com
The younger generation of showbiz stars was also represented, with model Nell McAndrew among the guestsPhoto: © EMPICS