Polar explorer Felicity Aston joins Queen for lunch at palace
The monarch invited a number of guests, including architect Sir David Adjaye and Bafta deputy chair Jane Lush.
The Queen has been joined by explorer Felicity Aston for a private lunch in Buckingham Palace.
The British polar adventurer became the first woman to ski alone across Antarctica in 2012.
Her 1,085-mile journey took 59 days and earned her a place in the Guinness World Records book.
The former Antarctic scientist was awarded an MBE and the Queen’s Polar Medal in 2015.
Other guests dining with the monarch on Wednesday in the 1844 Room included architect Sir David Adjaye and Jane Lush, deputy chair of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (Bafta).
Ms Lush, who also served as chair of Bafta from 2016-18, is the former controller of BBC entertainment and commissioned Strictly Come Dancing, The Apprentice, The Weakest Link, Doctors and Bargain Hunt among others.
The Queen’s son the Duke of York was also present.
Since 1956, the Queen has given luncheon parties at the palace to meet people from different walks of life.
The Duke of Edinburgh used to join the Queen at the events before his retirement in 2017.
Guests also usually gather with the monarch for drinks beforehand and for coffee in the 18th Century Room afterwards.
