Hugh Jackman and supermodel Elle Macpherson have brought a touch of A-list magic to Buckingham Palace. They were joined by other Australian stars including Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood and singer Jason Donovan for a glittering reception hosted by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.
The monarch held the event ahead of her 11-day day tour Down Under, which begins next week and will see her open a meeting of Commonwealth leaders.Hugh said after meeting the Queen: "She was talking about the flight (to Australia), about travelling. I wanted to ask her if she was stopping off but didn't think I was meant to ask questions. "I did say 'have a great trip to Australia' and she said 'thank you, I'm excited about it'."Elle, whose bikini-clad form appeared many times in American magazine Sports Illustrated, also drew the X-Man's attention. "It's always good to stand next to Elle," joked Hugh.
When it came to the subject of Strictly, outspoken judge Craig suggested the Queen should be fox-trotting on the show.Asked if she watched the weekly dance competition, he replied: "Of course she does", adding: "The challenge will be getting her on the show. "Also at the event was Australian author Kathy Lette, who arrived dressed in a remarkable above the knee white outfit covered in a Corgi in a Crown motif.