Dame Maggie Smith, 80, was amongst a very select VIP group of guests who were invited to join the Queen and Prince Phillip at Windsor Castle on Monday evening for a very posh royal sleepover!
Her Majesty hosted a special dine and sleep event, with privileged guests enjoying a meal before staying the night. The Queen traditionally hosts these events every year during Easter Court, which is the period when she takes up residence at Windsor Castle from March to April and also hosts several investiture ceremonies.
Previous high-profile guests at the bash have included Daniel Craig, Rachel Weisz and Helena Bonham Carter.
Dame Maggie, who is of course best known for her role as the acid-tongued Lady Violet Crawley on Downton Abbey, was amongst 20 guests who were invited to this week’s do. Other VIPs included the Archbishop of Canterbury, Prince Andrew and the Governor of the Bank of England Mark Carney.
Dame Maggie Smith chatting to the Queen in 2004 at The Royal Film Performance of Ladies In Lavender alongside her costar Dame Judi Dench.
Dame Maggie is no stranger to the royals as she was given her title of Dame in 1990 before being honoured again last year, being made Companion of the Order of the Companions of Honour for her services to Drama in the Queen’s birthday honours.
The title is exceptionally rare and Maggie is only one of 65 people outside of the royal family to have it bestowed on them.
The royals are no stranger to Downton Abbey either. Duchess Catherine recently toured the set of the show and the family are all said to be fans of the show.
Dame Maggie will soon wrap up her role on the show, which is currently filming its sixth and final season.
