Great Britons honoured at Palace

Britain’s trailblazers turned out tonight for a glittering reception at Buckingham Palace to celebrate their achievements.

Nobel prize winners mingled with leaders from the worlds of sport and showbiz for the event, which was hosted by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.

The special reception was held to pay tribute to the contribution of more than 400 pioneers in British life.

Among those attending were Sir Cliff Richard, Pop Idol judge Pete Waterman, celebrity chef Delia Smith, fashion designer Zandra Rhodes, Falklands hero Simon Weston and four-minute mile runner Sir Roger Bannister.

A special exhibition of objects relating to pioneering achievements, including stones thrown through the windows of Buckingham Palace by protesting suffragettes, was laid on for the 400 guests.

The Queen also met pioneers in business, community groups, academia, charity, and the arts.

After talking to the Queen, Sir Cliff said: “I still get nervous when I come here. The palace is just awe-inspiring.”

Fashion designer Ms Rhodes, who arrived at the bash with stunning pink hair and wearing one of her own creations, said she told the Duke about her new fashion museum in London.

“He looked taken aback when I said that the museum building was painted pink and orange,” she said.

Paralympic gold medal winner Tanni Grey-Thompson said: “It’s amazing when you see the list of people here. It’s quite humbling.”

Ballet dancer Wayne Sleep said: “It’s exciting. I’m surprised there weren’t more dancers here but that makes you feel even more special.”