HOW does the Queen keep her skin looking so good?
That was the question the Mayor of North East Lincolnshire, Councillor Peggy Elliott, was asking after attending a prestigious garden party at Buckingham Palace.
She managed to squeeze through the crowds of dignitaries and party guests to stand just two yards away from Britain's favourite royal.
And she was amazed at how "beautiful" the 87-year-old's complexion is – comparing it to a "powdery peach".
Mrs Elliott even sacrificed her tea and cucumber sandwiches to make sure she got a good spot.
She said: "She is beautiful. It was the first time I had seen her that close and I couldn't get over her skin. It has got a powdery look, it seemed soft like a peach. There were very few lines, I don't know how she does it."
The Queen wore a sugar pink hat with matching coat and braved the downpour to meet her subjects.
And the Mayor, who is just two weeks into her reign, described the day as a "wonderful way to start the year".
Wearing her mayoral chains with immense pride, she rubbed shoulders with Olympic and Paralympic medallists and politician Anne Widdecombe.
Prince Phillip, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice were also at the party.
She even dared to have her picture subtly taken within the grounds – which is a no-no – after seeing everyone else striking poses.
She and her consort, Steve Elliott, were chauffered down to London in the mayor's car, making the pair feel like royalty themselves – even though it was just for a day.
She continued: "It was fabulous. I felt so proud as we walked through the gates with their beautifully handpainted gold leaf trim.
"The Queen arrived down the main steps and the guards made an area around her to walk down. As she came up, everyone clapped.
"She looked absolutely beautiful.
"The trick was to get to the front of the queue. We figured we could have a cup of tea any day of the week but how often do you get to see the Queen in person? We got a great position.
"It was an absolutely wonderful way to start off my term."
Guests were also treated to an insight into the monarch's sense of humour as she departed from the grounds to the James Bond soundtrack – a humorous reference to her debut role in the Olympic Opening Ceremony.
The Mayor went back home to Grimsby on the same night, but she is still flying high from her visit.
She added: "I don't necessarily agree with housing the royals that are further down the line in this day and age, but I believe the Queen and her immediate family are worth every penny.
"It was a whirlwind and I loved every second."
ON THE WEB: Visit www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk for more photographs of the Queen's Buckingham Palace garden party.
