Queen Invites Celebrities for Lunch

03/11/2004 2:48 PM, AP
The Associated Press

Former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, lawyer Cherie Booth, author J.K. Rowling and model Kate Moss were among 180 high-flying women who joined Queen Elizabeth II for lunch Thursday, the first all-women event of its kind at Buckingham Palace.

Celebrities including teenage singer Charlotte Church and former model Heather Mills McCartney mingled with writers, academics and sports stars at the event marking women's achievements.

The queen was accompanied by her daughter, Princess Anne; her daughter-in-law, the Countess of Wessex; and the Duchess of Gloucester, a cousin.

Booth, wife of Prime Minister Tony Blair , said she hoped the luncheon will take place annually.

"I think it's very important we celebrate women's achievements. The leader of the country is a woman — the queen," she said.

Booth said she was delighted that the guest list didn't just describe her as the premier's wife, but highlighted her work in employment and discrimination law.

Church, at just 18 believed to be the youngest guest, said she felt privileged to be invited "when all I do is sing."

Rowling, creator of the best-selling "Harry Potter " books, confided that the monarch had divulged an interest in the young wizard: "She was appreciative of Harry," she said.