The Queen and Kate Middleton to host star-studded reception at Buckingham Palace

will join

to host a reception at Buckingham Palace honouring the dramatic arts on 17 February.Britain's monarch will join forces with the Duchess of Cambridge to welcome guests including

,

, Cate Blanchett, David Tennant, Sir David Attenborough and

creator, Julian Fellowes.The star-studded reception is being held in honour of The Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA), of which the Queen is patron.

From around 6pm, the Queen and the Duchess will greet an estimated 250 guests, including directors, producers, playwrights, teachers and actors, before enjoying a series of performances in the Palace's ballroom.Other members of the royal family, including the Duke of Edinburgh, will then meet the guests in the state rooms.The Queen and Kate's engagement comes amid a busy time for the royals. The night before the RADA reception, Prince William will play a starring role in the BAFTA award ceremony.As President of the film academy, the 31-year-old prince will honour Dame Helen Mirren with a Fellowship Award, the highest lifetime achievement award given to someone who has greatly contributed to the world of film, television or games.