Buckingham Palace refuses to discuss the Queen's private medical condition, saying only: "Her Majesty is in robust health and is conducting a full diary of engagements."

Although the most senior members of her family — Charles, Camilla, William and Harry — were not able to attend last night (although no official reason was given for their absence), the Queen was able to enjoy the occasion with a number of relatives.

The glittering event gave photographers a rare chance to snap the so-called 'minor royals' in all their glory, including the ever-glamorous Lady Helen Taylor and the Queen's cousins, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent.

Having arrived at 8.15pm, the Queen and her family enjoyed a lavish five-course meal before the octogenarian monarch and her 85-year-old husband danced the night away before a gathering of 300 of their closest family and friends.

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Name: Carol B.	Comment: A lovely picture of an equally lovely Sophie. I remember all too well how an engaged Diana was chastised for wearing black to an evening function with the comments made like "Royals NEVER wear black"....how times have changed!

Name: Gill Webster	Comment: Prince Andrew was there - he's just not in this set of pictures. Another news picture agency does have a picture of him standing by his girls. I think that is just an unfortunate shot of Queen AnneMarie - other pictures seem quite normal - she is usually very good looking. Doesn't Princess Alex look lovely for a lady almost 70!

Name: Trudie	Comment: HM looked amazing her smile was radiant!! I too would like to know where PA was? while everyone is talking about Beatrice it seemed that Lady Helen dressed to upstage everyone including HMSophie Wessex looked lovely as usual thank god no Camilla looking for the camera's

Name: Lisa	Comment: Nope, I was wrong- she never had a stroke. I guess she just looks like that.

Name: karmen Day	Comment: I think they all looked Lovely. I loved all of their dresses, although Princess Michael of Kent was a little overdone withe fur and feather detailing/accessory imo. I am so happy that this was for her birthday and not to announce an engagement as the tabs speculated.

Name: Ontarian	Comment: I read in an article that Charles and Camilla had a long-standing charity fundraising dinner at Windsor Castle last night.

Name: Anyacat	Comment: Annemarie, the Queen of Greece had a stroke many years ago, shortly after her husband abdicated.

Name: Kate

Comment: Muriel - I sooooo agree with your comment! Princess Beatrice , always, with her breasts almost hanging out!! I am surprised that her father allows this. Now take a look at Lady Windsor.. How classic and elegant! You would think young Beatrice would zero in on this type of style and create her own without baring allFor Princess Beatrice's style and compliments for the gracious style of Lady Windsor!

Name: Lisa	Comment: What is up with ex-Queen of Greece's face? Did she have a stroke at some point? Can't remember her name, Marie or something. Not being mean about it, just struck me as lop-sided every which way. Nice to see all the others.

Name: Anyacat	Comment: I don't know that the York girls have a fashion advisor and that could be the problem. On the other hand, the dress is exactly what the well-dressed celebutant is wearing these days, so Beatrice is fashionably attired according to those standards. I noticed not mention of the Princess Royal and no photo--was she not there or is she ignored, as usual?

Name: Charlotte	Comment: I bet William and Harry had military stuff to do. The others who did nor come? I can't explain.

Name: Muriel Brooks	Comment: What is with the York girls? Who picks their clothes? Whoever it is should be fired immediately! They're either dressed to look like they're 12 years old, or they're hanging out of their dresses like they can't expose enough.