There were whoops of joy, and a few tears, as Joanna Lumley celebrated victory in her campaign to win settlement rights for the Gurkhas.
In jubilant scenes the Absolutely Fabulous actress linked arms with several of the Nepalese heroes as they marched towards 10 Downing Street waving Union Flags.
Struggling to contain her emotion Joanna declared: "A great injustice has been righted. The Gurkhas are coming home."
Her words echoed the Nepalese regiment's famous battle cry 'Ayo Gurkhali' – 'the Gurkhas are coming'. And as the parade concluded she led the warriors once more in the traditional call to arms.
The festivities came after the Prime Minister confirmed that Gurkha soldiers who retired before 1997 with at least four years British Army service would be entitled to reside in the UK.
Gurkhas who've served since 1997 were accorded this right in October 2004.
Surrounded by 100 veterans who've served Britain in conflicts around the world, Gordon Brown congratulated the tenacious star. "She has been very persuasive and she has charmed not only the Cabinet but the whole country," he said.
Speaking directly to the men he told them: "We want you to know that we know that you are the bravest of all. "We want to tell you and indeed your families, that you are welcome in our country."
Downing Street later declined to comment on speculation the actress may have earned herself a damehood. Asked if the Ab Fab star would be honoured, Mr Brown's spokesman limited himself to saying: "(The Prime Minister's) a great admirer of her campaigning skills".
Photo: Getty Images
Photo: PA
Photo: Getty Images
