Sheridan Smith counted herself as one of the lucky guests who met the Queen on Tuesday evening. The actress was invited to Buckingham Palace to attend a magnificent reception held in honour of Her Majesty's son Prince Edward and his wife The Countess of Wessex.
Sheridan, 33, couldn't quite contain her excitement as she was introduced to the 88-year-old monarch in the palace's ballroom.
The Gavin & Stacey star was pictured eagerly shaking hands with the royal, joined by fellow actor and comedian Matt Lucas at her side – but later joked on Twitter that she had had to restrain herself.
© Photo: Getty ImagesSheridan Smith wrote on Twitter that she would have 'hugged the Queen' if she could
"I know many fabulous queens!" Sheridan posted on Twitter. "But tonight I met THE queen. She's adorable & if I hadn't been arrested I'd have hugged her #unforgettable."
The Lincolnshire-born star, who looked a dream in green on her royal evening out, also previously wrote: "Would I get removed if I asked the Queen for a selfie???! So nervous."
© Photo: Getty ImagesSheridan Smith also met the Countess of Wessex at the Buckingham Palace party
Sheridan and Matt chatted away to the Queen, and were also introduced to Edward, Sophie and Prince Andrew. The actress had been invited to the event as an alumnus of the National Youth Music Theatre, of which Edward is president, while Little Britain star Matt was attending on behalf of the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain – one of Edwards' patronages.
The reception was held to celebrate Edward and Sophie's recent 50th birthdays as well as praise their patronages for all the good work they have been doing.
© Photo: Getty ImagesSophie Wessex, The Queen and Prince Edward invited members of the royal couple's patronages to the party
"It's an extraordinary thing," said Edward during a speech on the evening. "I think 110 out of the possible 125 organisations and affiliations are present this evening, which is really very, very impressive. We are very grateful for all that support."
His wife Sophie went on to pay special tribute to the Queen. "I think there is a common denominator that needs to be said – that is the word service. All of you, one way or another, are serving communities, associations, and organisations representing people all over the world. And of course there's one person here who understands service beyond anybody else and that is Her Majesty."
© Photo: Getty ImagesSophie Wessex praised the Queen, saying she understood the true meaning of service
The Countess added: "Thank you for everything that you do, regardless of what is it that you do. In fact I actually tried to write down all of the different organisations and what they stood for and actually my pen ran out.
"I also remember quite a long time ago saying I don't want to take on too much and now I look at all of you and think, 'Oh dear, it must have gone horribly wrong somewhere.' Hopefully, we're doing something right, so thank you for choosing us to represent you and what you do."
